A Piece Of You I've Held Onto

Dear Rose I've got your nose It's been, oh, seven years Since that picnic in the glade You laughed so hard you drooled a bit Then the game began to fade But I never gave it back I thought you'd ask, or maybe whine Seasons turned and years went on You learned to breathe just fine Yes it's here inside my drawer Why I kept it, I'm not sure Still this little freckled thing Amid twist ties, and tape, and Grandma's ring I dust it off sometimes, I do So it won't sneeze out of the blue And if you want it back, just say Then I'll mail it home today Maybe I kept it out of sentiment Not spite or feeling cruel I hope you haven't picked another one From your friends in middle school I kept it safe from the burning sun But never took it on a run This path I chose, it blows, I suppose my Rose But who knows the pros and lows Dear Rose I've got your nose I've taken care of its every need Never broken, only one bleed It sometimes hums a gentle tune Unless it's stuffy clear through June It doesn't like the smell of smoke Puffed air once when I told a joke If it's time, I'll let it go Just tell me Rose, and then I'll know I'm sure you've grown, you've made your way Without your nose you lived each day But there's something about the schnoz you knew The one you blew into your toy kazoo I'll wait here for your reply With a painful glisten in my eye I'd love to see your face once more With the missing piece that I'll restore You can pick it up or I can drive If your mom won't flay me alive Let's not let this window close Dear Rose I've got your nose Yours truly Your dear Aunt Julie PS Sorry I said your toes were swine I hope you still turned out just fine