Excellent lines Joy...that was a four month absence...and brief return just as I managed to keep coming back after taking my absences also...these memories we treasure always find their way back to us.
AMor

Beautiful poem Joy; I relate to this one on multiple levels. I love this line: Learning anew the past tenses of a life... Powerful line.
I too have written a poem on this subject;when you get a moment, drop by and read my version of Memories. I'd love your feedback.
Continued success.
Barbara J. Henry

Beautiful, your words paint pictures. Memories are wonderful as long as one can remember them....M

Joy, this is really well done, but sadly it speaks of a situation faced by far too many in our country and usually just when you get to the point that you can finally slow down and enjoy all that you have accomplished. I struggle with memory issues myself, in fact, right now I’m trying to remember who it was that said, “Youth is wasted on the young.”

I second Pat's comment about the huge welcoming group.... I've been absent for quite some time myself..... Just too many irons in the fire to spend time here on the Den, but I'm hoping to get caught up some day soon. Writing was supposed to be a hobby, but it's gotten to be pretty time consuming here of late.

Talk to you soon. Dick

wow joy! what a huge welcoming group you've gathered here...see, i'm not the only one to have missed you. and this write is a thought-packed exploration and explanation of your absence. forging a new life must be a huge challenge ...challenging but i bet at the same time you're wrestling with fear and then again, great excitement. i liked every line of this and especially 'find ancient photographs above the sea'

"A new life is forged" That's lovely to hear, nice that you're writing again, Joy! God's blessing be upon you!

That's the way to make the moment new! So glad to read you again, Joy!
Many Blessings, xx
Christine

good to have you back, Joy,
and a fine return it is

john

IT IS REMARKABLE ISN'T IT...THAT THE THINGS WE 'FORGOT' ARE 'REPLACED' BY 'A NEW LIFE FORGED', FOR WE SEE THE OLD REMEMBRANCES IN AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LIGHT...A TOLERABLE LIGHT. AND SO WE COME TO APPRECIATE AND 'UNDERSTAND' 'ALL' OF THE MEMORIES...THE GOOD AND THE BAD. GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN...THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

Welcome back to the den. We all need a break at times. beautiful memories.

Rose

Welcome back Joy and so nice to read this great poetry again Laura

"Navigating into uncharted territories" A writers calling isn't necessarily an easy one. We all need to be stirred. In my experiences inspiration is fickle and moves around like ocean currents. Your work is genuine, Joy. The fragrance of the Holy Spirit is abundant in what you do. Welcome back! Peace and blessings to you and yours ... richard

Joy to welcome you with fondness in heart.
A sweet friend to grace the AD.
A wonderful poem of creative moments
and "Memories"

Lady Mary Ann

WELCOME BACK, JOY. YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED...
MEMORIES GOOD OR BAD...WE REFLECT UPON THEM...
LOVELY...ANNA

I find your words meaningful and intelligent; they awaken thoughts and emotions. Thank you, Joy; and welcome back. Love and best wishes,

Regis

Welcome back, Joy. You've been missed. Well done.

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

Finding oneself amongst the memories
brings clairty to living, and *Joy*
you have written so well the reasons
why we should never take for granted
what we have..or need to move forward

Lady Vivian

A nice tribute to preserving memories.

memories true and blue, I am not a big let's walk down memory lane person but, there are a few one's that defintely make me smile. like the way you described this.

We have to create memories to have them.

Ron

Nice poem about memories lost and others found.

Hello, Joy. Good to see you back. I hope that you are feeling well and eaisly able to continue with wonderful words as those above.
Mark

When what was lost is found again
they are less memories than fresh experiences,
re-experienced through fresh eyes...

Something this fine poem brings to life
in a profound manner...

in teaching of literature... we sometimes call this experience a "found" poem... but as I said this is a profound poem!

Nice to have you back, Joy... I've missed you here.

Roger

welcome back Joy this poem to memories is a great coming back issue
budd

Good poem about the past memories.
Each day is a treasured gift.
That's why we live in the "present" time.

God Bless you!

Peace,love. happiness and blessings,

John Michael

WoW! Welcome back indeed.

"A new life is forged / With the recollections of others."

'Nuff said.

Welcome Back, Joy!

Deborah