In a faded biscuit tin fastened with string
a sediment of buttons lies quietly waiting

bought for old pence
stitched onto card
yellowed with time
now creased and torn

mother of pearl
- from the days before plastic
new fangled zippers
in inches
– pre-elastic

thimbles and shoe horns
empty bobbins of wood
press studs
name tags
- sewn on with love

carpet hooks
tailor’s chalk
a knitting counter
- set at naught ...

In your faded biscuit tin fastened with string
a sediment of buttons gently starts to sing

(written for Becky (the button lady) artist in residence at Ruthin Craft Centre in 2009)