BOXES
 BOXES was published in the Autumn 2025 edition of
Hydration Literary Magazine by Poptab Press

 

I have a carefully curated collection of enclosures

containing the artifacts of a life

still being lived.

 

polished, paper, stone-encrusted

antique, ceramic, engraved

fabric, metal, alabaster

 

Patiently awaiting the time I reveal moments that can be re-membered,

when I scavenger hunt for signs of myself.

 

painted, inlaid, cigar

chinoiserie, cameo, tarnished silver

odd shapes, distressed wood, secret enigma

 

Now I am what is contained.

 

protected, private, solitary

flesh, blood, bone

 

Waiting patiently to be discovered in this box of my quarters,

filled with boxes of rooms, occupied by beautiful boxes.

 

I sought something, anything, to orient me to this new inside/out.

 

An oblong etched glass with ornate silver top revealed a challenge in thirteen words:
 

We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.