The Collector

Never saw myself as a collector
of anything that is without purpose,
anything that sits around and gathers
dust. I have the propensity to go
overboard on most things so I never
allowed myself a chance at this.

Now I find myself a collector of ladybugs
from gaudy to fragile works of art.
This bug has become my talisman.
I feel the need, feel a compulsion,
for they allow me that pinpoint of light
to illuminate the past.
My son’s death leaves me a collector.