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Isabel’s Purse

Posted on 02.12.17 by VoiceCatcher

by Deborah Akers

vinyl stiff, glossy red
       dangling from
tangled hands

bought to meet her
merchant marine husband 
at the Oakland pier

three battling kids 
        back in the car

she scowls at the strain 
       of waiting, heart 
sharp and fierce

       a beacon aimed
toward the docked ship 
his shape on the deck 

errant American, he strides
forward, presses a handful
       of foreign coins

sell these
you’ll make the mortgage, 
       easy

cleaning after her death

we unearth the purse
       stowed deep
in closet’s night

it holds the scorned coins
two rosaries 
       her union card 

the deed to the house
       and three keyless padlocks

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