The Old Dish Towel

She hung on the oven rail as a faithful companion, as many seasons passed.

Never tiring of her duties to assist the family she belonged in.

Always there when needed,

She had happily helped clean many messes over the years.

The old dish towel knew her value in the family, and she gave her all.

But as the seasons passed she couldn't help to begin feeling worn,

And notice she had gathered a few stains and was fading.

She was beginning to feel less valued too.

No longer was she first pick from the drawer.

More towels were purchased to help fill her role.

She was fading and it was inevitable.

And soon her role in the family had changed.

No longer did she hold such a prominent place in the family.

No longer did they choose her to hang on the stove rail.

She had become nothing more than a rag, a vomit and stain cleaner, reserved for the dirtiest messes.

There were no more soft hands rubbing her fibers appreciatively.

All of her experiences with the family were now reserved for limited contact and discomfort.

She could tell they barely wanted to handle her at all anymore.

And the loss was unbearable, unspeakable, and isolating until the day she was discarded.