P is for pencil box
I wrote this in January while taking the Writing the Heartache Class offered by author Alice Wisler.
Pencil boxes for you
Your pencil boxes no longer hold your stuff.
They served you well for several years.
With Velcro, they kept your TV remote in place.
With a label, they gave a clue to their contents.
When you no longer needed them, I packed them up.
I traveled to another state alone with the stacked boxes.
They contained tiny mementos I wanted with me.
One held pens, you laughed at how I collected them.
A few years later, I moved again with boxes in tow.
This time, I was not alone. I met someone new.
As our households merged, I shared the boxes.
I thought you would understand. The boxes were useful.
Today, a little boy stuffs Goldfish snacks into a blue one.
He giggles as he closes a red, hinged lid on his crayons.
Each box cost a quarter at a back-to-school sale.
I marvel how something so small stays in my life.
So poignant, Stacy! And really, it is the little things, isn’t it?
Cute, Stacey. They still have a great life ahead of them, these pencil boxes!
Thanks Susanna and Joanna. Who knows where the boxes will be next or what they will hold?
Writing the heartache, indeed. Tears and smiles as I read that. Thank you Stacy, for sharing so deeply with us.
Okay … now you’ve made me tear up over pencil boxes …
Beth and Beth, sorry to make you tear up.
The last line gave me goose bumps! This is one of those pieces I bet you took joy in writing. Susanna’s comment is spot on, it’s really all about the little things, isn’t it?
Miranda, Yes. It’s often the little things in life.
Very sweet. My son keeps various collections in his old pencil boxes. Can’t imagine his room without them.
Vicki, I can’t imagine a life without those little boxes now.
Lovely–I feel a little teary too. 🙂
Stacy, that was just so special. I never thought I’d be crying about pencil boxes. Thanks for sharing.
Oh Coleen and Susanne, thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful!
Thanks Catherine.
This post made my heart ache, but in a good way. Thank you for sharing.
Julie, glad it’s in a good way.
Such a beautiful memory to carry around with you, Stacy, and such a lovely way to pay tribute to something so special. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Sheila.
You could write a story “The Tale of the Travling Pencil Boxes.” Cute poem and so true.
Patricia, They have traveled a lot!
I love stationery, pencil cases, all that stuff. There’s just something magical about them and their contents!
Trisha, I have always had a soft spot for office supplies.