An old shoulder bag 
Caught my attention
In the basement
While I was doing laundry

And I thought it was
A lovely bag
With the leather
Embossment of flowers

And maybe I could 
Use it again
And the shape
Was so generous

But it was covered
With a green furry mold
I put it on the counter
By the sink thinking

I could save it
But then I realized
It was organic
And the leather

Was decaying
It was too far gone
So, I pushed it
Into the bin

With a little pain
In my heart
And a lot
Of regret


by Diane E. Dockum
©April 14, 2023