SHELF LIFE

The hearth has again been lit for I feel its heat, though plainly it's from a distance. I am shuffled. One of my brethern has been taken from us. All are knowing of his fate. The times have been trying for our owner as he has not been well and chopping fire wood is not something one can do with a broken leg. I was a lucky one. He favours me ,I believe, over the others. I was imprinted with adventure on the high seas. I know my name because when our masters young ones were at home he would often read to them of my sailors and mutineers; of my peg legs and sea birds. Those were prime times for our kind always we would be touched and held, cherished and loved and always we would be talked of. There is very little talking in the household for our man has lost his love and he only cries and moans as of late. Pity...