Tiny Bones in a Velvet Closet

One evening after I moved into
the old homestead where I grew
up.
I was checking places I hadn't
seen since I was a small child.

Wandering toward the attic I
stopped at the stairs, I
walked around behind them and
saw a dark door.
I pulled on it but it was stuck,
so I jerked hard, it creaked
as I pulled it open.

Now as I stand here peering into
this closet in the attic hallway
under the stairs, chills run up
my spine.

I see that it is fully lined with
purple velvet, as I step
inside I look closer, there on a
shelf is a beautifully painted
cedar box.

I finger the initials that stand
out on the top of it.
C. E. G. I stand there rolling
the letters around in my mind.
They are so close to mine
but I wonder who's they could be?
Why would anyone line a closet
with purple velvet?

Curiosity overcomes me and I
unlatch the lock.

When I open the lid I see that
the cedar box is lined with the
same purple velvet as the closet.

So strange I thought, as I pulled
the small blanket with the same
initials C. E. G. on it from inside.

Tears glisten in my eyes, I
lower my head in prayer.
Unconsciously I wipe my nose
on my blouse sleeve and sniff
in an unexpected outbreak of feelings.

There laying neatly arranged on a satin pillow are tiny bones with a purple ribbon on the skull,
in this beautiful cedar box, in this purple velvet closet.

I have no clue who the initials
belong to.
Who is this child and why is she here?

Suddenly the phone rings and I
awake with a jolt.
I arise and slowly walk toward the
hallway and peer under the stairs.
Sure enough there is a dark door.

Fear overcomes me and I turn back
afraid of what might be inside.
It haunts me!
Should I open the door?

Copyright  © 2008 Susan Elaine Graves