Retaining the Memories

When the greatest sights were those of lightning bugs on hot summer nights When the sweetest sounds were those of crickets so soothing and sleep- promoting. That was my yesterdays when the bitter herbs were mixed and drank from muddy glasses. Yesterday, when the Spring Season began and the cotton seeds took root in Delta soils. Yesterday, when the school year ended and the summer labor began, when we worked the fields from 6 to 6 in the oven of the sun. Yesterday, when the pleas of kids like me were pleas for rain, not for the nourishment of crops but to give pause, breaks to breath, to stop. Yesterday, when childhood was diminished and robbed of pleasure, labor-intense and stolen. Yesterday, when in time I distanced that birthplace of mine so often distasteful and unkind, only to return for a spell with a brief and different plan. The first time there, my birthplace took from me. But the second time around, I gave back to it which made the difference in me. Afterward, again I moved on, leaving an even greater distance between us with a return visit here and there from time to time. So much have changed as have I, and as the years slowly slipped bye, so much and so many have died. Others have moved away, forever dreading their impoverished stay. And yesterday? It's gone to the land of no return, and though I overcame the pain, like a caboose always connected to a cargo train, I forever retain the memory of the good, bad, and ugly of my early years. And by God's grace, I am the better for it. 07252019cjFBPoSoup This poem was inspired by a movie I saw today entitled, McFarland. McFarland took me back deep into 'my yesterdays' and brought not a few misty tears.