dad's important papers

it's like a crazy jumble sale:
pages of computations, memos from 50 years ago,
medical and financial papers, all mixed up
with ancient utility bills, advertising circulars,
birthday cards, empty envelopes, and an invitation
to the credit union gala at the k. of c. hall
back where he used to live...in 1983.
it's all here, except for the things he says
he's trying to find, and i can't help
but see it as a metaphor for the way
we cling to shreds and scraps
while the things we really value
are allowed to slip away.