Memories So Dear

"recently scenes of early life have stolen into my mind, like breezes blown ..." Quote by _Samuel Taylor Coleridge (from his writings) Gatherings and parties I attended when I was young are memories so dear, for they’ve endured as treasures most splendid! My friends from school inhabited one sphere that mattered to me when youth had begun. The parties with my school chums brought such cheer. The birthday parties – oh they were so fun - like those held at the roller skating rink - a rush of pleasure loved by everyone! The parties where we didn’t sleep a wink were oddly labeled slumber parties! We would party, but we gal pals did not drink. We got high on laughter and repartee! Such girly girls, we’d gossip and we’d squeal at ghost tales until dawn’s first light we’d see. Another part of childhood – a big deal - was family. I looked most forward to reunions, meeting cousins with great zeal. What fun to see my cousins all anew since rarely did I see them all year long, so when we’d meet, there was a lot to do. I loved when cousin Steven came along (a crush of mine!) Off we’d then run and play. With relatives it felt cool to belong. A great buffet we’d have on Christmas day, and Secret Santa gifts we would receive. No other Christmas seemed a better way. My memories of these times do not leave. Friends and family are precious, I believe. Oct. 7, 2022 for Brian Strand's 'YOUR PREFERENCE' Poetry Contest