Broken

A small piece of the past
Shatters to the ground
And the thunder rumbles.

Heirlooms carry memories
That link today to yesterday 
But they cannot bring it back

And neither can I

Broken bits of clay
Cannot be mended by tears
Or by words 

And so I gently set the pieces
Into a tissue-lined box
And pack it away

And move on 
 

Janet Reid
august 2008