I am sorting and packing
getting ready to shift the bookcase
and lift the carpet
vacuuming old dust and cobwebs
from the edge of every book
before I put them away in boxes,
and finding that each one
triggers memories
that I haven’t thought of until now.

I wonder
when these books are hidden from sight
will I lose the memories?

I want a better bookcase
with glass doors
so I can see into the past.

© Claire Griffin 2016