My Box of Long Ago

                          I've ascended the stairs to sit awhile,                                                 
                            blowing dust, moving old cobwebs.
                Coming to find one thing, found another instead.
          So many memories I've made, so many I've had to hide.
        Opening a door into the past, of an unhappy by-gone time.
                                  In my box of long ago,
              time has captured glimpses of those I barely know.
            Came across a picture of a smile, so long forgot,
                        faded letters, an old watch fob.
              Tattered views of the strengh, I used to hold,
                dried petals from roses, I had loved him so.
                        Salty memories roll down my face,
            as I remember someone else had taken my place.
                    A heartbeat pounds the sound to my ears,
                    wipe the tears, before I descend the stairs,
                        nothing else do I care to see up here.
                        For my true life awaits me down there.
              Close the box, forget it not, this memory I will hold.
                          My heart still yearns and I'll return ...
                                    to my box of long ago.


                                                                            2008