Keepsake (Poetry)

Moving day approached
time to sort and pack
things collecting dust
so she steeled herself
prepared to attack

cupboards full and shelves
groaning with the weight
of her memories
the task long put off
with Autumn grown late

Old the box she found
inside it a pot
crudely made — near-round
with a broken lid
her heart almost stopped ...

Recalled the bright chime
the ice cream van’s bell
that warm afternoon
before the storm broke
one shrill warning yell

She fumbled and wrapped
it safe out of sight
complete with clay dust
a heartbreaking dream
sent back to the night