Once Upon a Memory

memories are like the tides

sometimes rushing in

with a pounding roar to topple you

other times they gently wash over you

tugging you back to where

time seemed sweeter

when once upon a memory

I entered unseen mingling with the flow

if I paused, while walking through

events outside the memory kept unfolding 

when I resumed

the changes have already happened

whether witnessed or not

altering what was, becoming what is

slowly leaving

the sounds old memories make

as they linger like a soft whisper

sliding back and forth, behind closed eyes

Carole Mathys

2/5/15