A bag lies open on the bed

As the lady folds wears

Thinking for the first time in awhile

Practicality over enjoyment

Soft cotton blouses fold up neatly

And lay flat in the bag

Skirts follow

Joining the even ranks

Enough for a week

Lying on top of two dresses folded neatly as well

One for an end

One for a return

Fighting off tears again

She keeps on folding

Stockings and chemises

Petticoats and corsets

When she reaches for the soft silk

Her fingers graze something hard and cold

Gently they wrap around

And bring it to light

In her hand holds a silver heart

A locket opening to a shimmering stone

And a lock of hair

Its face carved and beautiful seared

With the image of a blossomed rose

Surrounded by thorns and leaves

Engraved one the back

Words that bring tears to worn out eyes

‘I’ll protect you always, Across any distance’

In scrolling print

And sealed with her loves mark

Gentle she clasps it around her neck

And feels warmth and love radiating

Both within and above her breast

Quickly she finishes her chore

And runs off down the hall

To find her lord and lover

To forget the world a little while longer