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Old Memories

Shall we not stash old memories away? Fold them neatly, store in a cedar chest Keeping them secure for a fonder day Not gather them to our aching breast? When they blight our latest venture Shall we not stash old memories away? In favor of a new, exciting adventure Making, instead, a new cause celebre. Better sometimes to move on than to stay Memories can become an obsession Shall we not stash old memories away? It can be hard to make this concession. It can never be good to live in the past Letting “sleeping dogs” lie, as they say, For a bright future is ahead … and vast Shall we not stash old memories away? Written May 5, 2022

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Bill Baker

Date: 5/7/2022 1:51:00 PM

I agree with you, Milt. Old memories should not be obsessed upon. I think we may recall old memories, especially in dreams that are recurring; so, we can learn from times past. If a memory is not helping to move forward, it is likely best left where it is. I enjoyed your poem, and it gave me reason to contemplate these things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts through your splendid poetry, my friend. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/7/2022 1:58:00 PM

Aw, thank you so very much, Bill. I am always happy when I learn one of my poems has helped someone think something through. I appreciate you, Bill.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/6/2022 1:26:00 PM

I think we should "Shall we not stash old memories away? In favor of a new, exciting adventure"

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/6/2022 5:25:00 PM

Me, too. I don't think old memories should be forgotten, but just not dwelt upon the expense of making new ones.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/6/2022 12:16:00 AM

It's a shame we can't delete the unpleasant ones but you're right, we can't live in the past, we have to move forward. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/6/2022 5:36:00 AM

Thanks, Tom, for your very insightful comment.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/5/2022 2:51:00 PM

Shall we; shall we not? Shall we; shall we not? Maybe stash them away for a rainy day... Otherwise, yes! Let's get out there and play! Skillful penning, my friend! :) gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/5/2022 7:18:00 PM

I had hoped I had presented an option without specifying precisely. Sometimes, I miss the mark, but here I hoped it would provide food for thought...and, apparently, it did. Like picking petals off a daisy.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 5/5/2022 12:52:00 PM

Skillfully written quatern with a timely message, Milton. Memories are very valuable. Janice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/5/2022 1:00:00 PM

Yes, Janice, they certainly are, as long as we don't obsess on them or let them interfere with living in the present.

Marco Chies

Date: 5/5/2022 12:11:00 PM

beautiful message, poet!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/5/2022 12:43:00 PM

Thank you so much, Marco. You honor me greatly when you call me a poet. I appreciate your kind encouragement.