The Wednesday Poem

Boxes

I knew I would need her permission
before exploring any of the boxes.
I knew, but I looked anyway.

The first box opened up a treasure of toys and baubles
each twisted with childhood, or fur
rubbed bare by frightening dreams.

The second, stacked to the lid with
paper words piled high
her ordered thoughts in lines, observations
march across each page.

The third revealed the faces of friends and family
and places captured
chemicals fixed on glossy rectangles,
names fading, captivating for that instant.

The last box was harder to open – it had no lid.
She looked at me on my knees in the midst
of her memories
and would not answer my questions.

Vivienne Glance

Vivienne Glance is a poet, playwright, performer, prose writer. Vivienne’s work has been published and presented in Australia and internationally. With a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Western Australia, her creative interests lie at the intersection of science, art, society, environmental activism, and cultural diversity. Her play ‘Bruised’, dealing with interwoven lives and hope in the face of global change, is on at the Blue Room Theatre 8-26 July, 2025. You’ll find more about ‘Bruised’ here.

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