Ownership

I own very little in this life. 

Chairs and a table, 

a rocking chair and a bed, 

the walls of my condo, 

other little bits and bobs. 

The greatest that I own are 

my memories even though 

they are poked through 

with holes on some years, 

clear as crystal on more. 

Memories that cling to the stuff I own. 

Memories of family, 

book shelves filled with books and

why they are there, 

the sounds of discussions and laughter

photographs, paintings, and stories 

resonate with the voices of what I own. 

“The greatest ownership of all is to glance around and understand.”

~ William Stafford, poet

(1914 - 1993)