Opening Katie's Treasure Box

wiping her tears, Jen
was packing, cleaning
up her daughter's toys, her
flotsam, her debris, for
one last time.

under Katie's bed, her
treasures, an old
candy box chock full
of items, all shiny
bright and cherished.

shells from the Gulf coast,
her first tooth, a baseball
card, the famous George Brett,
and photos of herself,
age three,
age five,
age seven.

she also kept the notes
her mom had sent: "good
job," "pick up your toys,"
"happy birthday, Katie."

Jen had trouble now, seeing
these things, and tears
came quickly, coursing
down her cheeks,
blotching the candy box
with liquid love.