Prompt eleven – Text Prompt
“Extraordinary in Ordinary”- pick an ordinary object and make it extraordinary. You can do it by giving it some special attributes or a different background and story.

 

The Handkerchief

 

Almost redundant these days

This humble square of cotton

Had many uses and ways

To give its user superpowers.

 

I remember my mother lay one out daily.

Along with his watch and wallet,

Washed, ironed, folded neatly

It nestled in her husband’s pocket all day.

 

Unlike its more modern cousin, the tissue

It was never disposed of.

Retired and repurposed as cheese cloths

Then a third life as dusters for dressing tables.

 

It was brought out multiple times.

To wipe our tears, to banish our fears

To mop up blood from skinned knees

To wave at school matches while the crowd cheers.

 

My sister’s dollies wore hanky sarees

And were tucked in at night under hanky sheets

Our fevers were frightened away by

Hankies soaked in ice and Old Spice

 

In temples he covered his own head with it,

Wiped wet foreheads in the searing heat

Shoes were polished with this trusted square

Belts, caps, and his Vespa seat.

 

The park bench got dusted before Ma sat down

Her lipstick and kajal stains on it

They went to posh parties and

Smuggled sandwiches back in them as treats

 

Bring back this old hero I say,

Let the modern man be King for a day.