The Paddock Review

TREASURES

…..

This grief feels too ornate for everyday use.

I wouldn’t scrub toilets in fur stole and pearls.

Grief can’t sort your pills or change your sheets

or explain for the fifth time it is Thursday today. 

I pack it away, and it tarnishes in the darkness

of a dusty upper shelf. Each day, I parade

my administrative genius, and fail to show you

ordinary patience. I don’t have time to shine

my lovingkindness. Where can I find

the opulence of time? 

 

Tonight, I choose to share my treasures. 

Affix gold hummingbird pin to that red velvet dress. 

Set out the wedding china. Light a dozen 

beeswax candles that melt into ribbons as we eat 

our rice and beans. Is it my birthday? you ask. 

No, sweetheart, I say. I’m just happy we’re together. 

We tell each other secrets only I will remember, 

and I let the dirty dishes crust over because 

we need to hold hands on the couch right now,

and watch another rerun of Antiques Roadshow.

….

This poem is from the chapbook Pop-Up Shrines by Linda Drach (Finishing Line Press), and can be found at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/pop-up-shrines-by-linda-drach/