all i wanted

seven years ago

she lay dying

"do i have anything you want"

there was something

connected with a long ago memory

a time

when she cried

she was all gussied up

going to a flapper party with a girlfriend

she had made a dress

planned and looked forward to

all ready to go

purse in hand

maybe i was seven or eight

then he came home

"you can't go, you belong home

taking care of these kids"

the party clothes came off

never to be seen again

but, the little chainmail bag

tucked away

it was her mother's

and now it's mine

satin lining

small round mirror in pocket

lace hankie

the purse, the memory

her disappointment

all mine

...