Little leaf earring
lost as I lift my backpack too quickly overhead

Nothing fancy
made of resin and craft store materials
$16.99 listed at the orange tag sale

Given with love
on our 3rd anniversary
quietly purchased in Niagara Falls

After you watched me 
look
smile
admire
slide them back on the revolving display

We exit without making any purchases
or so I thought
and you present them to me two blocks away
because you worry I will return them out of cautious practicality
“The house will not save for itself.” 

I look
smile
admire
slide them through my pierced ears
an evolving display from childhood to then to now
The house will wait.

I felt so lucky to wear your toughtful gesture
and with one careless move
lost a piece of it
lost a piece of you