Presque Vu

by Lara Dolphin

 

I slide my fingers
through the box of buttons
I used to
count and sort
by size or color

there are small shanks
plucked from a dress
past its prime
large flat plastics
round leathers and fabrics

shiny brass ones from jacket sleeves
metal studs from worn out jeans
wood toggles polished smooth
then for a moment my Nonna’s there
with me again

barelyish on the tip of my heart
a remembrance hidden from sight
about to bloom
not completely formed
but good