Over the years I have received many family handkerchiefs
embroidered beautifully
which have safely stayed with me.
I have shared your grief and genes
my gardens are the beauty
of all our previous plants and seeds.
My life has come to flower
on the paths that came for me
so I happily
take your hand-washed cloths
into this life I see.
My gratitude is tender
my love does deeply ride
along whatever comes my way
so often-times I cry
and oftener in every while
I weep to let me smile.
But life continues
as we are here a certain time
so it is often how it is
'many things are tucked-away' inside
a special container in the chest
where we save our best.
So they stay
there for comfort in sorrow
and then
we hand wash them clean
press them flat
and fold them neatly back
into that place until we face
more occasions in the morrow
where some home beauty in the every-day
helps us wipe our tears away.
Dear Friends,
I thought a long time about handkerchiefs,
from our ancestors, and those found
in homes, boxes or drawers.
Some end-up donated to the opportunity shop.
Folk told me they keep the best
to use at funerals, though most often
any tears were held for private times.
People hide their feelings.
They make cups of tea
and become 'the jolly one' in the sad times.
Most women told me
they use everyday hankies,
and good ones stay in their handbags.
Anyway!
I use my Mums, Dads, Grans and Nannas
and I know, in life, Mum, Dad and I
used them most, and held them close.
Love Bee xxo
