"my mother's hope chest..."

my mother had a hope chest made
of fragrant cedar with a small black key
that locked away all of her dreams of
monogrammed pillow slips, Reed & Barton
silver, peignoirs, and old lace...

my mother had a hope chest...a simple cedar
chest that eight children used as a low table for
building with blocks, eating dinner in front of
Ed Sullivan, and for sitting with her on a rainy
Saturday...watching her caress cedar-scented
blankets trimmed in heavy satin, and silver
iced-tea spoons with delicate, long-throated daffodils
for handles...

my mother had a hope chest...it was her place for
dreaming and for sharing her dreams with us...
it was as strong and invincible as her love,
and as full of hope as her dreams for each of us...