Memories: Friend and Foe, With Robert Lindley

"Memory is man's greatest friend and worst enemy." ~ Gilbert Parker ~ Laud precious memories when cold nights prevail Those that fan love's flames as wintry winds wail for upon those images, a lonely heart sets sail if only in an interlude where grief cannot assail Tho' behind and betwixt are storms, dark mortal seas yet love births sweet glories, devoid of costly fees Far more beautiful than earth is Nature and its trees On a romantic path, in truest light, may God it please Mourns the heart when memories are bittersweet Each one a plunging dagger, blades of winter sleet A mighty foe one cannot banish or cast off in defeat for with each renewed attack, pain is wont to repeat Memories of past failures plague sad, wounded souls Invisible afflictions impose such pretentious tolls Past wrongs are seared into regret's grievous roles remaining as fair warning, which wisdom fairly extols But there are melodious moments; dulcet thoughts where flows trickling memoires and elation imparts rushing through veins 'til canvassed in pulsing hearts as treasured paintings; unforgettable works de' arts When a smile, sans apparent reason, plays upon lips and eyes shine as though emerging from a lunar eclipse there will arise a memory, perhaps in cursory snips a prize to relish, delectable as wine a connoisseur sips