Only Anatevka

[cotton_worship]

eight buttons (tiny, black)
       removed from a sweater
       replaced by green stars
three thumbtacks (clear, one bent)
       released prematurely from the wall
two highlighters (blue, yellow)
       kept at close hand
       for enlightening lines from books
one tube of chap stick (cherry)
       for relieving tired lips
one cup (plastic, gold stars)
       long empty of fruit juice, residue
one mug (porcelain, green, with spoon)
       long empty of whiskey, lemon, and honey
two stamps (blue mountains, 80 cents)
       awaiting assignment
five hair pins (brown, metallic)
       she let it down early tonight
two toothpicks (cinnamon)
       flew in a letter
one lamp (orange, warm)
       making the room look smaller than it is
       focused, and happier
three books (one red, two un-read)
       ready to be devoured...
       ...any day now