A Gift from a Past Self

These lovely soft flannel sheets
a gift from a younger, more profligate self
purchased on impulse
not really needed
pushed into a corner of the cupboard
lay for years, forgotten.

Now,
rediscovered in a more frugal time
they are a luxurious treasure
a gift from the past.

I spread them on my bed
Beautiful soft cotton
edges of eyelet embroidery
which lie flat and perfect
immediately upon emergence
from the dryer
no ironing needed
a luxury to the eye as well as the touch

They encourage me to take time and care
making the bed
and then
they encourage me to stretch out
and deliver a prayer
in gratitude to my younger, more spendthrift self.