Trapped In Amber

Plain brown vase, dried weeds in a bottle,
Birthday cards, pictures, pencil sharpener,

Straw basket, alabaster shells,
Tin containers, cigar box, a painted drinking glass,

Toy wooden helicopter, tiny origami bird,
Animal crackers, Einstein figurine, candle in a jar,

Postcards, pebbles, white-tipped crow feather,
Broken watch, brass compass, empty cat bowl --

Memories held fast,
Like once living creatures
Trapped in amber.