Material Life

Sometimes I am a sieve; I sift the day 
       into smaller pieces that can fall 
more softly onto the clay. At times 
       I am a raucous cawing, staking 
territory in the trees. Today I am an ivory 
       handkerchief edged in lace, beautiful 
heirloom stained with tears. Hand wash,
       cold water only; lightly iron.