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THE GOLDEN LOCKET

I heard a flutter and looked to my window
to see what the noise could be.
It was a warm spring day, the kind you see on
TV where two people run across a field
and meet joyfully as if parted by a cruel
villain for years.

Perched on my sill was a bird with a golden
locket and chain.
I gently removed the locket from his beak
and, in my hand, it glowed.

It was finely crafted with no doubt years and
years of work invested in this masterpiece.
Intricately engraved, so unique there could
be no other like it.
Inscribed on the back were two words skillfully written:
"OLD MEMORIES"

Fascinated, I opened it and there stood a
reflecting mirror.
I saw myself at six years old in my new
cowboy suit being dragged through the
mud by my dog.

The years kept flashing by - with every new scene
the mirror changed colors.
I remember the envy I had and it turned
green.
The anger...and the mirror appeared red.

The love and intricate moments and it turned
baby blue.
The warm summer days when I pranced through the
meadows feeling the early morning dew
on my toes - and it turned mellow yellow.

Then it changed...

Now I saw myself confused, not knowing
where to turn, not understanding what I
felt, having no one to hang on to - the colors
strobed swiftly, also not knowing which
hue to choose,
Which intensity or value would be right.

Just then it quit glowing and I knew it was
time for the fowl to take its flight.
I thanked him so very politely for giving me a
chance to recollect my emotions and deeds, And so he went.

I only know now that when he returns once again,
I'll look and see the fowl on my sill and perceive,
once again in that mirror,
all that has taken place today.
For now it is a treasured memory collected
in my golden locket.

I wonder what color it will turn.Yes, time flies,
but is kind enough to make short
journeys backwards
So we can recall where it flew off to.

Learn more about this author, Linda Barnett.
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