Extraordinary Sunshine Weaver

Thank you, Juan Re Crivello, for publishing my poem “Marie Kondo My Purse at Starbucks” on Gobblers. This poem is from my debut poetry collection, “Three-Penny Memories: A Poetic Memoir” (EIF – Experiments in Fiction, 2022). It appears toward the end of the book, when it is time for me to let go of all those things that have caused me grief and loss. My purse is a container that hoards many objects and feelings one will not find in a purse, such as a tricycle and hysterectomy scars. I am holding onto not only my own trauma but my mother’s trauma. Marie Kondo is the perfect helper who shows up to empty my purse and release me from suffering.
This poem first appeared on Spillwords and was nominated for publication of the month of Jan/ Feb in 2022. I hope you enjoy this poem. Thank you for reading it.

Konmari sees me at Starbucks. My purse spills over on the counter. “May I help?” She gathers me up like I’m antique lace washed too many times. …

Marie Kondo Cleans My Purse at Starbucks by Barbara Leonhard

Amazon Best-Selling Author, Three-Penny Memories: A Poetic Memoir (EIF-Experiments in Fiction, 2022); Pushcart Nominee