Perspectives = Treasures

Perspectives = Treasures


Six years ago
she asked if we could store
some of her treasures.
There wasn't room in her
studio apartment, she couldn't
afford storage but
she simply could not,
would not part with any of it.
Would not, could not toss it to the trash.

Last night
we lugged it all up
from the basement. It's
been living in our storm shelter:
safe from any/everything.

Just now, she arrived,
having driven four hours to come
pick up her treasures.
An entire tote full
of assorted 'things'
hit the trash: Paintings,
prints, ornaments, knick-knacks,
brick-a-brack. Treasure
no more.

Bigger place now,
still, no room.
Perspectives change.
Out of sight for so long
became out of mind.
The priceless reduced
to a tote out by the trash.
The 'I cannot part withs'
discounted
to a shrug.