The Old Couple

The old couple stood in a place of honor.  I'm wasn't sure why I loved them.  Was it the beauty of their stature or innocence of a time when honesty and hard work measured your worth? I believe it was a time, sadly past for too many, a time I strive to live.

Carefully I dusted.  The man fell from my hands and shattered on the hard floor.  I wept.

When the tears dried I carefully gathered the pieces, reassembling him with glue and love. The tiny porcelain chips were returned to their original position yet the old man rattled from a tiny chip I missed inside.

Once again he stands with his mate, complete and whole, doing the chores they've always done and will always do.

Their expression never changes. I believe it is contentment, love and joy that they are together forever in their moment of time.