Reminiscence

How dim memories can slip away. The decades of life highlighted in our thoughts Sifting through the large colander Of daily happenstance. Leaving very few past images that can bring us gentle peace. Only special celebrations can we access. Moments of a wedding day The first child's birth So many firsts are sealed away and hopefully stored Safely within our minds. A child's birth, A newborn's first cry. There are so many firsts that jumble and crumble Seeking a place on memories first call. We seek to remember everything every day. A beloved Christmas A happy birthday The anticipation of all life ahead. Blend into the years that are the journey of life. We are distressed when the memory has faded and gone Into the dark recesses of thoughts that are stored Away from our recall, away from our grasp. We vaguely remember these lost treasured images, but The shadow of the joy felt remains. It seems such a cruel joke of our creator's design, As our memories slip past us when we are old And life becomes quiet and we are alone. No one seeks our company. Our time is now empty and devoid of the busy appropriation life once threw our way. Confused, we seek affirmation That our time was well spent. Successfully, with purpose and honor. And painfully grieve That memories vanish like smoke in the wind. Grieve not these years of quiet and rest. Wrap yourself in the warm shawl of abiding. Believe and rejoice. Your mansion awaits. Built by the crowns you have won Your race is not over It has just begun. Mary Kate Marozas October 16, 2021