Boxes of newspaper wrapped dishes,
and shielded glass in picture frames
reminds me
I’ve resided here for half my life.
More frequent moving in more youthful days
not needed or necessarily desired —
right now.
Unless I could turn my back
and be there
immediately
without sorting through stuff.
Taking only recollections with me
in the boxes of my mind.
Thumbing through stored clothes
my consciousness wanders
through seasons…styles…
Is this too vintage?
Is there vintage vintage — like my racy aunt’s 1940’s blazer that I’ve preserved for another 40 years…
…or my mother’s creepy high heels that mimicked the Wicked Witch of the West’s?
Time periods,
events,
come running back
like a long ago lover
I’ve forgotten to miss.
Each dress recreates a juncture,
a feeling,
that I don’t want to discard…
doing so feels too dementia-like.
Protective plastic covers up
confectionery scenes —
that captured job interview,
unforgettable party,
spellbinding date…
…preserving
a lifetime of memories
dangling
in the closet
of my mind.
wRighTing My Life 
Yes, those shoes use to scare my brother and me, taking us right back to the Wicked Witch scene in the Wizard of Oz with her toes curling under the house. Shudder.
It’s taken me nearly 6 years since my Mom’s death to begin any clearing out. Knowing I would also like to downsize in home and property, it will still be a formidable task no matter when it occurs. So, I am at least attempting little by little, like a day at a time, to let go, but still saving the best of memories for now…
Best of luck in your efforts. It seems when it’s out of sight — via attic or basement, it accumulates more easily. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those shoes! How cool are they?!? I can see how they look like Wicked Witch shoes. I have so much stuff tucked/packed away everywhere. We’ve been cleaning our attic for years now. I wonder why I feel compelled to keep it all, but then I know—like your post—each thing holds a memory. And memories are all I have of some. It’s hard to let go. Still, little by little, I am. Because—it’s just too much stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person