Treasure | Stevie Smart

Standing at the door of my room,
my eight-year-old self contemplates
the formidable task ahead.
I gather dolls and stuffed animals
until I can see the floor again.
I venture into the corners,
heaping with forgotten junk.
The process is slow; I am distracted
by all of the toys I forgot I had.
I pause to check
that my closet shelf
still holds my gilded trinket box,
with a small button inside;
My secret treasure.

I gradually move my dresser
by pushing and pulling from side to side.
In the midst of the dust, hair ties and crayons,
is a large, striped seashell.
I put it to my ear
and hear the ocean!
I marvel over my discovery.
If this treasure had at one time been mine,
I did not remember it.
I imagine that the ocean
swept it in and hid it one night
while I slept.
I place it on my closet shelf
next to my trinket box and button,
forgotten until I clean my room again.