Ahhhh memories! What would we do without them? You've given us the clue what to do with them--"put them back and close the lid". This is a nice poem. (I like the jack-in-the-box image because it's so true.)

The thoughts put behind these few simple verses is giant sized. It is so true that we must offer our memories the validity of what they mean to us in order to hold onto them.

Fee

super poetic perspective Cj, made me think about some that just want go away, deep impact type

There is a lot of truth to what you've penned here, CJ. Memories do all those things when we take time to linger in them. For me, when the memory stirs an emotion that's sad, I quickly sigh, and tuck that memory away again, hoping that the next time it is exposed, it would not trigger the same intensity of sadness. Great perceptive write, dear CJ, from a heart that's full of love and compassion.

God Bless
Much love from me to you...
Lena

A very wise and perceptive write.

Love & Light always and in all ways,
Joseph*

Great logic in this write. It is what we must do with our past. It is today that counts. Victor

CJ this is lovely and a wonderful description, love the comparison to the jack in the box, for the memories do seem to pop up at random when we least likely expect them, and sometimes they erupt right out of the blue...bringing tears, sorrow, pain, and sometimes joy, but have you ever noticed that the memories that have a way of springing up on us, are usually sad or painful ones...as you've so beautifully penned it we can give them back and close the lid on them...Oh CJ this is one of my favorites that I've read...loved it, very touching, inspiring and has comfortable feeling through and through! This is a keeper for me!
Blessings to you and a great weekend,
Joyce Bowling

C.J.,

Very wise and subtle write my friend. One cannot dwell of the past.

A succinct definition of memories.
I like the analogy with a jack in the box. These are often the memories that serve conversation situations. For example, in my line of work where a 'gift of the gab' is required, I draw on a large repository of memories.
There are memories that I'd rather forget, but my cerebral gatekeeper ignores my pleas. Swine that he is!

I enjoy reading your work, C.J, they resonate with real life experience that we can relate to and ponder.

My oh my ... what a universal moment you've captured here CJ.

I agree wholeheartedly - it happens to everyone. For me I think some of my memories ride Harleys and reappear just to make my life noisy and distract me. Some though are very soothing and reinforce the fact that my life has not all been in vain. Magical write!

Light and Wisdom ...
Richard Lloyd Cederberg

((((CJ)))),

Beautiful, beautiful inspiration in spot on verse; all memories, good, bad, need airing at times.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Did I ever need to read this today, CJ?! I dealt with this very thing, just yesterday. I have always believed that the sunrise holds a lot of promise, too, and thus, every day is a new chance to start over. I can tell, from this poem, that you agree.

Great work; thank you!
Jill

...and when we turn that little crank, to bring them up on purpose, make sure you sing along with it! "Round and Round, the Mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel..." HA!
This is great,CJ!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~

Yep, they always seem to pop-up at the most inopportune moments too. Like when you aren't wearing long sleeves and there isn't a hanky in sight. Good that we can put them away for later use. I'd hate to lose my memories forever. ~ Sara

Memories seek their validation
and we must give them that.

I believe that's true, and I like this poem, CJ.

Memories are part of us..without them life would also be empty!!

Love Tinka

yes like a jack n box so can emotions be as memories. Life is always changing. This is beautiful and well expressed CJ!

Wise words simply flow to your pen. Love Holly

Right on the billy goats.
Must be something in the air about boxes, but that is a great way of
describing thoughts, and carrying on.
Stunning words.....

CJ, if your poetry is not place on the 'must read' list, it would be a travesty. Once again, your common sense sentiment shines bright through the eyes of a POET.
loveya
Rusty

This is brilliant!

Wisdom abounds in this wonderful write. Life must go on even when what you've lost can never be replaced.

"Memories seek their validation/and we must give them that" - What a unique perspective on this, CJ. Introspective write.

Brett

A great deal of truth here CJ. Lovely write, and beautiful painting...Michelle

How true,the more memories we make we file the old to make room for the new.Loved it,
Michael