A small ash tray from Siam,
brass, shaped like a slipper
he kept this tiny shoe
and a letter from his mother.

‘Dearest Johnny Boy,
Rose was here,
the weather was rainy
we all felt blue.
stay safe.’

Written on onion skin paper
with two 3 cent airmail stamps.

A handful of Zippo lighters,
gold and sapphire cuff links,
a linen and lace handkerchief.

A love letter written to my father
by my mother before their marriage.
The longing of a young woman,
her plea for a letter in return,
her hope of a happy life
with a young man.

‘I can’t wait to be in your arms’
written on onion skin paper
with two 3 cent airmail stamps.