Treasures of A Lifetime

The usual---photographs, school reports and awards,
Diplomas from college, citations from work,
A box of Elvis clippings and magazines,
Souvenirs from her travels and from events attended,
Postcards and thank you notes from family and friends,
Graduation, dance recital, wedding and birth announcements,
From the next generation, as well as hers.
And, more somber, the Prayer Cards from the services
Of those who went before her.
And the love letters, from various romances,
Some meaningful, others not to be taken so seriously,
And an age worn ring box-empty but for a card with the words,
"Will you marry me?"
Her answer was yes, though the empty jewel box
Outlasted the vows.