A long free-verse poem about memories.

A lifetime spent is measured
by the memory of those special
days and events that stand above
all the unremarkable days
that fill our existence
and fade into obscurity.

Memories forever etched upon our heart:
moments shared with parents and siblings,
school days both horrible and grand,
friendships made and broken,
tests passed and failed,
the first day of each new school year,
childhood angst and adjustment,
graduation, followed by job
or college as we passed into adulthood.

Our first love, our first kiss,
… our first tryst,
our first new car,
our first apartment and house,
marriage, pregnancy and children born,
sickness and blessed recovery,
deaths and mourning the tragedy,
deep sadness and untold joy,
successes earned and failures endured,
the constant love and support of a spouse
-- such things as these mark
those memorable moments of our lives.

My wife Linda and I have shared
thirty remarkable years filled
with memories we forged into a chain
that binds us together forever –
true love and great sex,
raising four children together,
working in science and succeeding
in concert with the other’s help,
taking trips to Europe and
experiencing all its fantastic sights,
ocean cruises and Mexican beaches,
Costa Rican jungles and white water rafting,
trips across the U.S. to experience our country,
plus many a day made special simply by
sharing it in the company of each other.

As we’ve grown more senior
and left behind many pursuits
that filled our younger years,
we now seek to add to our
chain of memories by forging
new links to last our lifetime
and provide a quiet satisfaction
that warms our heart daily
and keeps our chain unbreakable.