Looking at the things you kept

In the detritus of a life

You never threw anything away

You held on with a vice-like grip

Lists from years ago

Of tasks long since meaningless

Of people long since dead

Letters you never even read

Sentimental tokens from a partner you couldn’t forgive

Was that love, or guilt?

I realise I never understood you

And now I never will

Does anyone really understand anyone

Are we all reaching out blindly

Hoping for some connection

To understand and be understood

Looking at the things you kept

Hoarded, some would say

But if things were all you felt you had

Maybe letting go of them felt like

Letting go of yourself

You constructed yourself from books and pictures

And when pieces of you are thrown away

No longer of use or worth

Then where are you?

I pray you are at peace

I pray you understand

You are complete in yourself

You always were