a door set between two shops

on a side-street

with a small sign which reads   antiques

leads to a narrow and steep stairway

to a gallery of dusty oddities

collected over decades from all parts of the world

lin buys an asian snuff-box which fits her hand

is smooth to the touch and handsome

~

carries an aroma

which reminds her of her grandfather

and his grin

which revealed his tobacco stained teeth

~

which somehow told the story

of his life

~

now she holds this memory in her hand

crows bicker with dull repetition outside her window 

seagulls do the same   

though more melodiously   

the sky lightens with dawn

wavelets wash at the feet of a heron