Then--And Now

The empty boxes of moving days

Then...
Empty boxes
piled precariously,
awkwardly tipping,
temporary transports for
china, and cookware,
flowerpots and candlesticks
exuberantly claiming
space in her new home.

And now...
Empty boxes nesting neatly, each waiting its turn
to be filled with newspaper and treasures, carefully wrapped.
As we pack, as we put away her things,
the room fills with emptiness.