Repeat Performance  

by Susan Surette
 

A film of dust clings upon
scrolled antique trunk    
hidden in forgotten attic corner 
with contents enfolding deep
sentimental value
Nestled beneath cotton sheeting
yards of faintly yellowed
finely sewn material
await lifting, to be shaken free 
Passage of time emanates
from baby soft satin,
intricately hand-stitched lace 
tiny seed pearl buttons
evoking lasting memories,
vows exchanged among
riotous wildflowers 
two hearts joined 
in a country meadow 
Smooth slender hands
gently caress delicate folds
of familial past
drawing them into sunlight
inhaling nearly scentless
lavender sachet tucked within
when times were simpler
As the heavy lid lowers
back into place, a smile creases
flawless skin with realization,
sweet opportunity awaits
to once again drape the form
of another young woman 
in love  


* * * * *

Repeat Performance was first published by Westward Quarterly Magazine (Fall 2021 issue).

A Cape Cod, MA retiree, Susan has had her poetry published in the U.S. and UK. In 2018 she founded the Not Yet Dead Poets Society and she was selected “Featured Writer of the Month” for WestWard Quarterly’s Fall 2021 issue. Her writing has also appeared in The Avocet; The Curlew; Cape Cod Times; Ceremony Journal of Poetry, The Voices Project and Nine Muses. Pastimes include travel, gardening, yoga, hiking and hand drumming. Poetry became a survival tool during the pandemic.