Keepsake

Baby teeth rattle in a small gift box. 

I saved them

from being thrown away,

at the cost of whatever coins

rattled in your purse. 

Is it better than 

keeping umbilical cords?

That’s what I’m told some people do,

press them inside heavy books — 

what occasion would force them open?

But who am I to judge? 

I collect teeth,

and I’m sure you have a lock of my hair, 

put away somewhere.

Just in case.