no use
saying don’t
she climbs
the chair wobbles
but it is hers
the kitchen hers
the cabinet
also hers
as she reaches
for the dust-covered box –
getting down requires
all of her coordination
is a slow shake of bones
but none of my help –
on the table
she opens that box
with deliberation
reveals postcards creased letters
a photograph a medal or two –
no use saying
the past is past
it is hers not mine
and she is 83 still reaching –
and her base may tremble
but it also holds
(Image of a future box if local slumlord gets its way)
Saragun Springs 
John
The center holds, unlike with Yeats. You cause the reader to hold her breath while the box plucker tends to her quest.
Thsnk you for creating this!
Leila
LikeLike
This is all very visible and it reminded me of that song Labelled with Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgihbuhkG30
LikeLike
John
This poem is a brilliant use of the short line to embody its subject. A celebration of aging and the mysteries of personality, this is a great character sketch that is both heartening and memory-inducing. It has a highly relatable, and even universal element to it as any good-hearted reader will see the protagonist, hear the narrator, and be reminded of some of both they’ve known in their own lives. A free verse poem that does double duty as a flash or micro fiction. Great work!
Dale
LikeLike