Please Just Keep My Pearls Casey Allen

Please Just Let Me Keep My Pearls

I was reminded of my mortality yesterday. When I die, I will likely not have an heir. I have never been the motherly type, I prefer to foster divine dresses and rare gems. When I die, I will likely be alone. My lover has declared that they will die long before me. When I die, let me keep my pearls and lay me to rest in my most expensive dress. I am a very selfish person, I know. But my possessions have always been well cared for, They cannot end up alone in an antique shop.

A sea of books, gold watches, war collectables, and tattered children’s toys. Unnerving yet thrilling, To own something that has been owned perhaps many times before; Passed down from hand to hand. But not from the hands of your own mother, or even great grandmother. A fur coat that is lined with emerald green silk, Cries out from its hanger to be worn just once more. A pair of engagement rings sit in a glass case, Longing for new lovers to come along and set them free. I’m almost jealous, As those rings knew of love long before we ever could. And my personal favorite, a box of lost post cards and love letters Given away for reasons unknown. I always thought that love written is love committed, Promises strewn onto personalized stationery. Their responses exist beyond our reach, Beyond the box that sits silently in this shop.

I hope that our love is not lost, And that our letters are not sold for $1 a piece. Separated by passing time, And taken to hang on a hopeless romantic’s wall. My letters marked by lipstick stains, tears, and my signature scent Will not be left to become a conversation starter in a sapphic’s bedroom. I hope our portraits do not hang in the library of someone that We never had the chance to meet. I am selfish. I am gluttonous.

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Casey Allen

Bury me with my jewels. Bury me with my photos. Bury me with my letters. If nothing can be salvaged, Please just let me keep my pearls.

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