:
six years old
   one brown paper lunch sack
carefully rolled up 
   hiding it's contents
opened and closed so often
   it's wrinkles produce dust


i carried it in my pocket
   kept it on my bookshelf at night
it held what fascinates me most
   evidence of time, life and death


a bag of bones
                    :

:
if i slow 
     i have to feel
when i feel
     i remember


what used to be
the things that are no more


though i have gained so much
i mourn what is lost


memories of times
never to return
                          :

:

these words

         i feel

these words

         lay dormant

these words

         now released

these words

         so sweet,

         escaping my mind

                                   :