Moments of Joy

Seeking moments of joy

in my own home,

I see my aunt’s lace fan.

Yellow flowers, black edging,

a white base that mimics ivory

but isn’t cruel.

My cousin sent it to me

after my dear aunt died

whom I called my second Mum.

Late in life, she saved

and went on cruises,

finding fans in port as souvenirs.

I remember her long letters

about places she saw,

friends made on board

even love, although at last

those ships passed in the night.
The fan is still faintly scented.