-- Our Memories Return --

John Herlihy

Our memories return with the poignancy of vanished things,

Lost friends and untimely death, all and anything life brings.

So many things happen in our lives that do seem bad enough;

Future arrives only to disappear, leaving behind visions rough.

The first love seemed pure love, never again such emotion felt;

The last love seemed sad love, its sorrow made the heart melt.

Such memories have the look and feel of birds flitting thru trees,

As forceful as an ocean tide, and as ephemeral as gentle breeze.

Strong memories of our mind always linger, each one takes care;

The constant alteration of moods reflects happiness and despair.

Our happiness may fill a daffodil sky until twilight comes to call,

While our sorrow, as memories, take charge when night will fall.

We cannot stop them, with a life of their own, when they return,

Resurrecting all those deep emotions that within our hearts burn.

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(c) John Herlihy 7 September 2019