Treasured

Tucked inside a sleeve

or folded over the belt of her everyday housedress,

inside her purse ready for action...

for wiping tears or runny noses,

for making handkerchief babies

to quiet a restless girl in church on Sunday morning;

she was never caught without one or two.

The first things I learned to iron

standing on a low stool at the ironing board,

because I was too small to reach.

She kept them neatly ironed and folded

inside the tri-cornered Lucite box

in the corner of her dresser drawer

which also held her head scarves and other dainties.

The few I have left are threadbare and worn.

It's almost twenty-three years

since I passed one to each of the daughters and granddaughters,

sisters and nieces

who were present at her wake,

where they wiped away

tears of remembrance,

love,

and heartbreak.

They are treasured.

Everyone has something tucked away that is treasured in their heart. I would love to see your treasures.

Susan