Old Cedar Chest

There's a cedar chest in the attic
collecting more than dust.
It holds reminders of my past.
A wedding gown, stained yellow with time.
Grandpa's old bib overalls.
A bag of dried rose petals, and baby shoes
that were mine.
It holds reminders of what could have been.
A journal filled with stories that never
saw the light of day.
A diploma never put to use.
It holds in it more important things than
money or fame can afford.
Mother's ring and Father's Bible,
memories of children grown.
As I sort through these memories,
I see my life as it is-
Full of wonder, dreams, love, and tears.
The old cedar chest and I have much in
common.