Another Useless Prop is a poem I wrote after visiting antique shops, thrift shops, and second-hand sales. It got me thinking about how beautiful porcelain is discarded just because it has a tiny chip or hairline crack. All the monetary value disappears with just the tiniest imperfection and the item becomes a permanent fixture, left on the shelf. Then, there is the designer gown, bought with great excitement and anticipation for an upcoming event. That too is left discarded at the back of a dusty wardrobe, then sent to the charity shop when it is deemed out of fashion. I wonder if people sometimes feel like this too when age creeps up and beauty diminishes? Women especially feel invisible and unwanted as time passes by, easily overlooked, taken for granted and just Another Useless Prop.
Another Useless Prop
I am the vase that sits alone
When the shoppers have gone home
So much hope this morning
That by noon I’d be adorning
A window sill or cosy nook
Next to a clock or picture book
No one picked me up to see
My origins and history
Because I have a tiny chip
I do not deserve ownership.
I am that garment hanging proud
Designer label and price endowed
The occasion now a date that passed
For a safer bet, I was outcast
Just a dress bought on a whim
When purse was full and waistline trim
Now I feel I’m out of trend
There are no parties to attend
Just another useless prop
Destined for the charity shop
Kate HanfordÂ
For other poems by Kate Hanford
Muddy Paws is a collection of poems for dog lovers
Inspiring Poems To Ease The Pain of Depression
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