Dianne Deloren’s most recent poem to appear here was “What’s Your Brand of Loneliness?” (July 2019).

Upon Packing to Move
By Dianne Deloren

Upon Packing to Move . . .
Sorting through dusty boxes of stuff,
The sum and detritus of a life,
Flipping through photos from times and places
I can barely recall
Until some part of my brain is poked awake
And something dim and distant comes into focus
Then I’m startled, amazed—
I was there! I did that! I had friends! I loved him!
I loved her! I was mother to a beautiful girl!
I made art! Went on boats! Rescued dogs! Walked beaches!
I’ve lived many places! Driven cross country, twice!
My interest is piqued in this person
I’m peeking in on, someone much younger and leaner
And fresher of face
I didn’t know those dusty boxes
Would show me and tell me
Things I’d forgotten about me
And give me renewed appreciation
For all that I was and what I am yet to be.