the crowded inheritance

her house

was full of inheritance.

oil

paintings and silver,

fur coats,

and hats

with feathers that couldn't

be thrown

away.

dressers full

of silk,

boxes of boots from

London

and Paris,

5th avenue.

crates of jewelry

that crowded the narrow

hall

and staircase.

a candelabra, a piano

that would never

be played.

how do you toss away

another loved

one's life

without guilt?