Giving away the things i love most

Today i gave away my treasures -
the things that i love most
it is a second reminder from friends -
to return gratitide for gratitude...

For, a long, long time ago
a sweet young thing gave away
the things she treasured most;
and i was told that she was told
that love means giving away
the things that are closest to the heart...

So, i've been doing just that:
Parting with the things that i love most
if it would bring a smile to someone's lips -
then why not?
if it would make him happy -
why ever not?

So, today i gave away
gratitude for gratitude:
the set of 3 paintings that i love most -
to my host, for taking me under his wings...
i gave his friendly wife - for her warm hospitality -
my favourite beads with purple roses...
i gave away my beloved bangle with 3 roses,
and a new blue dress - to 'Bu Fitri,
with whom i am staying...
i gave away, another stone-studded bangle -
to 'Bu Idar, her sister next door
who sends us to school and back...
and i reserved my most treasured crystal bracelet -
that i'm wearing for the last time now,
for the plump maid, who does my laundry,
and stands by my side to help me as i cooked,
and i'll leave her my scented talcom powder
that you like, too, that she may remember
the lady who stood beside her in her kitchen
and asked for chilli and asam and petai and belacan...

So, though i am much lightened in my treasured items -
i am leaving little momentos of love for them
to remember that once, someone came to their abode -
and touched their lives as much as they have touched mine...

And i could safely say, i've taken your advice, my friend,
i've given away all that i could -
save for one - you
that i could never, ever, bear to part...