I Saved The Summer by Rod Mckuen

I saved a summer's day
and give it all to you to hold on winter morning when the snow is new.
I saved some sunlight
if you should ever need a place away from darkness where your mind can feed.
I know no answers to help you on your way
The answers lie somewhere at the bottom of the day.

Having spent a bit of time in second hand stores and thrift stores and looking for the beauty of hand me downs, I realize people are like linens. We are not all of the same design and we are not all woven in the same way. In that search, I find linens that were stained and sometimes tattered. Despite their wear, I think to myself is there some way in which this cloth can be made whole again. Most always the answer is yes. I admire the "good"qualities. Just because of imperfections, it does not mean that I should judge it so harshly.

Some linens come from other cultures whether it be a Japanese tapestry or a Mexican dish towel. Again I search my soul and mind, how can this fabric retain its identity? Some linens are pillowcase white, others poppy red, others corn yellow, and others wicker brown. Although they are different, they are welcome in my heart and in my home.

Some of the linens are adorned with a mother's loving handiwork meant for all of us to embrace with our hands and our eyes. Some dry our tears, some bring our dreams, some touch our hearts, some make us smile and laugh, and yet all have purpose.

I bring them home in an ugly plastic bag. No one knows the treasures buried inside. Look, my friend, to the treasures buried inside. Look beyond the plastic covering, go to the linen cloth inside.