I remember the box of pretties at my great aunt’s house.
 With shells and rocks and leftover ribbon.
 I remember the Maxwell House coffee can
 With the tiny bird that didn’t make it.
 I remember the red brick porch and the huge white columns.
 I remember her giant clock in the shadowy hallway.
 I remember her sitting in a lavender floral dress
 With the rustling newspaper in her weathered hands.
 I remember the magnifying glass making the words big.
 I remember her wispy white hair caught back in a bun
 And her glasses sliding down her nose.
 I remember thinking how wonderful 
 To be like her someday.