Faded Blue Ribbons

paper holding memories
in a woodland refuge set along a tranquil lake abandoned long ago
where children played and grownups dreamed
magic realized in fireflies and campfire tales
stands in the clearing
dwarfed by evergreens and birch trees
beckons you forward to open the door 

inside a table covered in years of dust and grime
chairs disheveled, all tousled round
rusted old stove pipe hangs precariously from the ceiling
broken plates and porcelain cups on damaged shelves
wait for the next meal as they have for years
windowsills rotted and blackened by time
shattered glass strewn across wooden floors 

against the west wall a hearth proudly stands
once crackling with fresh kindling 
a centerpiece of this little cabin home
each stone selected and arranged lovingly
complete with sprawling mantel where cherished items were displayed
now stands cold, no fire ablaze
no welcoming warmth to share 

a small side room hides rusted bed frames
mattresses torn by wood mice seeking shelter from the elements
stacks of books toppled over by years of abandonment
pages yellowed and bindings torn
a bureau leans against a wall
drawers slightly ajar revealing old newspaper lining 
one still closed and undisturbed 

inside a simple pine box rests
no lock with key keeping contents concealed
beckoning you to reveal what’s within
exposing the gems kept secluded all these years
left behind, perhaps overlooked
waiting for the proper time
to uncover the story 

inside a lock of hair and broken pocket watch
papers holding memories are bundled up with faded blue ribbons
a testament to those who came before
letters in brittle envelopes whisper to be read
ink faded by years of isolation
left behind to be discovered
revealed to someone who would appreciate their meaning

love letters introduce the residents
courtship sweet and wedding plans
children’s birthdays and special triumphs
a lifetime of memoirs kept all these years
secured in this tiny treasure chest
waiting for a chance to live again
reborn in your hands