My Favorite Things in the House

Surrounded by reminders of the past.

The Most Familiar Things in the House

 

By Elton Camp

 

Five generations of stuff can be found.

Yet, in clutter the house isn’t drowned.

I try to be selective in the items I retain.

Only if of family value will they remain.

 

The oldest, by far, is a sculpted clay vase.

Its origin in the 1800s I am able to trace.

It belonged to a lady many greats ago.

Her name is just about all that I know.

 

It’s a true antique, but of little worth.

I recall seeing it ever since my birth.

My mother remembers it just the same.

From the time into the world she came.

 

To be candid, it is as ugly as can be.

But it still means a whole lot to me.

When I see it, a connection I feel.

It makes my ancestors seem real.

 

The porcelain dog has a cracked ear.

The damage was done by me, I fear.

At three years old I made the crack.

My grandmother kindly glued it back.

 

The elegant bed on which I sleep

Is an actually useful item I keep.

It was always reserved for a guest,

And with a great many was blest.

 

It’s no place where Washington slept.

Only regular people has it ever kept.

None of the names historians know,

I recall hearing their stories though.

 

Grandfather clock’s from modern times.

But four times an hour, I enjoy its chimes.

My father got it when he was an old man.

“I always wanted one and so now I can.”

 

The living room holds a Victorian chair.

After my parents died, I placed it there.

Just for looks, it is sure no place to sit.

Because it’s hard, not comfortable a bit.

 

Writing this poem brings tears to my eyes.

It is just amazing just how fast time flies.

All around I see treasures from the past.

But favorite things I’m glad I’ve amassed.