By Sarah White

This is an example of object writing — start “zoomed in” on an object and let it make your writing powerful through its concrete specificity.

Three years ago my keychain was full to bursting, each key a connection and a responsibility.

My friend’s house key, so I could walk her dog if she was working late, and water her plants if she was away.

My mother’s key to her apartment at the assisted living facility, even though her door was rarely locked. Usually I’d find her in her recliner, her back to the open door.

The key to the building where I was the office manager, responsible for a cabinet full of keys to all the tenants’ suites, the mechanicals room, the front and back entries. I took refuge in the simplicity of my to-do list there.

And of course, my own house key and car key.

The friend’s key went first, removed in May, 2020. The office keys went next, closed by Covid, removed in August that year. The mother’s key, removed in October. My keychain grew lighter, less clumsy, with each loss.

Now, my keychain holds only house key, car key, and YMCA ID card.

All that responsibility, replaced with only taking care of myself.

©2023 Sarah White