Hoarder

by Sara L Russell

“If it’s not in the file it’ll be in the pile”

she used to laughingly say

But how can any pile

be of use if it’s in the way…

Magda is going through a clearout

or it might be a salvage mission

or something else altogether.

Her husband’s things lie in neat piles

on his side of the bed. For a time,

after he passed, she could still 

hear him breathing

or imagine his snore.

He always said that she and he

should have a clearout

sell up, and move to

the South West coast

“before one of us dies” 

but now,

that ship has sailed.

Magda sighs; 

returns to the job in hand.

Oh there’s that photo of Ron’s old cat

in a doll’s dress, here’s the silk roses

from my wedding gown,

those might have to go but

no wait

they might come in handy 

for making a fascinator.

I’ll put them in the box with

the bear collection.

Fireman Bear is looking 

a bit threadbare.

But Ron gave him to me 

with my engagement ring

on one of his paws. 

He’s staying.

I keep meaning to mend

Julie Bear, since that dog

bit off her head.

I’ll do that tomorrow night.

Those twin bears can go

to a charity shop

or a children’s hospital.

Maybe soon.

Maybe… maybe…

Days slip by.

Good intention

after good intention

derailed by procrastination.

A year passes, and another.

piles of old photos and 

drawings pile up on each other.

Magda walks past the piles of papers

squeezes past boxes.

Piles of clothes lurk by a wardrobe

bursting with clothes, shoes

and books.

Ron’s old hoodie lies 

zipped up round a pillow

where he used to lie.

Magda can’t find her nightdress

under all the other clothes;

so once again, fully dressed,

she wraps her arms round the pillow

and drifts off to sleep.