A lot of truth here. But sometimes what seems like mere "stuff" on the surface is actually hiding the grandest of things. How many times do we hear of people known mostly for their cold, aloof demeanor, their decadent behavior or their prowess in some sport, only to learn, too often too late, of their unrecognized good works as philanthropists?

As we should all be reminded, never judge stuff with a harsh eye, for it just might be camouflaging grand things!

Rebecca

Ron, I love “Cutting Back.” A couple of years ago, I gave away a few of my treasures to my family—sons grandsons, daughter-in-law.” With each item, I wrote on a note card what that item meant to me. My daughter-in-law cried quietly through the whole thing. As a result, I was touched as well, for I realized that each gift I let go of, each recipient was pleased with the item I chose to give them. Am I sorry I gave them away? Not at all. What will they do with these items? I have no idea. They are theirs to keep or let go when the time comes. Thank you for writing this poem, Ron. I took it to heart as a treasure from someone who has handled my own writings with care.

David

lol was it stuff or something grand, I believe your poetry will be that grand opera that never dies, Ron. Thanks for sharing today, have a precious day :)

The vibe of simplicity is the answer

I don’t know, Ron….about visiting too much, this place of which you write. It is such a universal life condition, so I say…write on! These two lines are my favorite: “Sometimes yearn for times gone by,/we think of as the good old days.” There is a warmth within this poem, I feel. ~~ djl

"Stuff" is so overrated. Now, determining something grand, something that needs but a memory, or a picture, to keep it alive after one is gone is what it's really all about. Nicely penned reminder of the simpler and more valuable things in life besides "stuff." Kudos.