Dustbin Mind

We used to laugh when poor old Mum 
Would call me “Eve-Dor-Fran”.
She wasn’t old (about my age!)
When first it all began.

But now I’ve come to this same state,
I’ve realised the brain
Is not some great computer
That gets left out in the rain.

It’s just a giant dumpster
For the things we learn about.
We throw in scraps of knowledge,
But it’s never emptied out …

And then, as we grow older,
The dustbin gets so cramped
We have to root around in there
For any thought we want.

I know if I search long enough
I’ll find my marbles there.
They’re packed away so carefully,
But I can’t remember where …

So if you take a longer time
To latch onto some thought,
Remember, it’s your dustbin mind
Through which you need to sort!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Arteaga Avatar
July 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM
good! good! reminded me of the movie Hook. Peter i found my marbles! yes there is a lot of things we must go through to recover.
Fraser Avatar
July 29, 2009 at 7:14 AM
Terrific write Francis, how fortunate we are to keep our marbles>>James
Kershaw Avatar
July 27, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Frances, This affliction becomes ever morefrightening if you are a packrat like me. I never throw anything away if there is even a remote chance that I may have use for it at a later date. My garbage output by now must require its own landfill. Brava Dear Lady. I enjoyed this one very much. I loved the Buffalo/Bison poem too. Took me a bit to get it but finally interpreted it. Great Fun, Love, Will
Guzzi Avatar
July 27, 2009 at 1:58 PM
LOL loved it! sending it to a friend. Light & Love
May Avatar
July 27, 2009 at 7:33 AM
Humor and Wisdom-my favorite combo. Lovely poem.
Kendrick Avatar
July 27, 2009 at 6:58 AM
Love this one. The drs say this is true but for some people there comes a time that things no longer work the diseases are many..alzheimers, dementia of all kinds, organic brain disease, schizophrenia,ADD,ADHD,Huntington's Disease, and so many more. Would love a cure for all. Sara
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