An old and faded photograph
Crumbling and brown with age
Sits in a tarnished picture frame
A memory in a gilded cage

A round, gold pocket watch and chain
That once was carried with pride
Stares silently from the dresser top
It ceased ticking when its owner died

A lacy scarf crocheted by hand
Is one that her Mother made
Given to her on her wedding day
Its delicate edges long since frayed

The Bible that he used to read
With spectacles perched upon his nose
A tasseled marker at the last page read
Forever to reside by a dried pink rose

All these mementoes from the past
Of two dear ones loved and treasured
And what they taught us along the way
Was true wisdom that can never be measured

Let us not be concerned with monetary gain
When a loved one this world departs
For the family treasures that mean the most
Are the ones held within in our hearts

Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
September 9, 2006
All Rights Reserved