What do you see # 324- 19 January, 2026

In response to Sadje’s prompt #324

https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2026/01/19/what-do-you-see-324-19-january-2026/

What She Kept

She didn’t leave with applause,
only a square cap
and a question folded into her pocket.

The shop window hums—
USED BOOKS glowing like a promise
that nothing learned is ever wasted.
Stories wait patiently,
spines bent from other hands,
other hopes.

A dollar each, the sign says,
as if wisdom could be priced so lightly.

She reads while standing still,
between who she was
and who the world expects her to be.
Not choosing yet.
Just listening.

Some lessons come from classrooms.
Others are found on sidewalks,
in secondhand truths,
in words that have already survived someone else.

What I see
is not the end of an education,
but the quiet beginning
of her own syllabus.

#WhatDoYouSee
#WDYS
#KeepItAlive

💫Maggie

The Afterlove Voice 💫


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11 responses to “What She Kept”

  1. Sadje Avatar

    A very moving poem Maggie. You’ve honored learning and education so beautifully in this poem. Thanks for joining in

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you for having me 🌷.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje Avatar

        You’re most welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  2. gc1963 Avatar

    Learning on the sidewalk by her own syllabus…priceless!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Chaya Sheela Avatar

    Lovely poem, Maggie. Touched my, a retired teacher’s heart.

    I love, ” What I seeis not the end of an education,but the quiet beginningof her own syllabus.”

    Best wishes.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you so much Chaya 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. WDYS # 324- A roundup post – Keep it alive Avatar
  5. shaun tenzenmen Avatar

    Gentle and hopeful with a strong ending. Nicely written 👏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you Shaun 😊

      Like

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