They broke a window
and pried open the chest
They took all my jewelry
and escaped
People say I'm lucky
they didn't kill me
People say I'm lucky
they didn't vandalize
but somehow it doesn't
make me feel better
So I say to myself
it was only things
it was only stones
But it was my father's watch
and my grandmothers earrings
and the gold heart
I was saving for when I had a granddaughter one day
Things are not only objects
they are symbols of a past
reminders of events
memories of people
Things are a part of ourselves
And so I mourn my loss
with fantasies of finding it all
with wishes for revenge
while blaming myself for being careless
none of which helps
I was robbed by unknown people
who not only took my things
but also took my peace of mind
My house does not feel safe anymore
I startle at the smallest noises
and feel vulnerable -
afraid it might happen again
