The Hope Chest

By Phyllis Beebe

There's a big cedar chest at the foot of the bed
Where Aunt Edith rests her snowy head.
Just as soon as one of her nieces
Displays a ring, she looks over the pieces,
Of lovely things she had hoped to use
In her husband's home, till she got the news
That her love had gone beyond earthly cares.
That was years ago. Now she lovingly shares
All she gathered so full of hopes and dreams.
She's content with her life, or so it seems.
Aunt Edith smiles and says she's glad
Her nieces will use the things she had.