Box Full of Memories

The photo of a flowering shrub reminds me of my Mom. She used to call this Bridal Cascade. I'm not sure of its real name.

THE BOX FULL OF MEMORIES
©1986, Janet K. Poludniak

Some days she just can't remember when
she took her vows; how long has it been?
Most days could seem a tedious chore:
wash clothes, then cook, then mop the floor.

On days that she feels a little unsure
and wonders if she can ever endure,
she sets aside her kitchen broom
and slowly wanders toward their room.

She opens up her closet door,
and places the step-stool on the floor,
then climbs to reach for a box, now aged,
filled with memories since she was engaged.

She places the box near the head of the bed
and sits, recalling the day they were wed.
She gently sets the cover aside
and tearfully peers at the memories inside.

There's a packet of letters. She reads a few . . .
and soon his words seem just like new.
She gently touches the flowers, now aged,
and recalls the night that they were engaged.

She gently lifts her wedding dress
and holds it close in sweet caress
and gazes out across the room
with memories of her handsome groom.

She replaces the gown, the garter, the glove
and arms herself with the memories of love.
Her eyes still blur as she feels them tear;
refreshed, she feels like yesteryear.

Back to the shelf . . . in its special place,
goes the box full of memories she'll ever embrace.
She pretties her face and fixes her locks—
much like the picture she keeps in the box.

Her love will come . . . she must not despair.
Now, off to the kitchen, their meal to prepare.
The "young" bride will greet her groom at the door
to hug and kiss him, her memories in store.

Story ID:	3830
Written by:	JANET KESSLER POLUDNIAK (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Organization:	JUST ME
Story type:	Poem
Location:	Lansing NY USA
Year:	1980
Person:	For everyone, but especially as an encouragement to women--after the honeymoon seems to have ended.