Childhood Talismans

Into the purple smoke
she tossed her painful memories
wounds that oozed and refused to heal
stripping each scar from her body
and in turn destroying the scent
of lemon and honey
her mother’s blanket that kept her warm
on those harsh winter nights;
those bygone things and people
were no longer enough

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Good Memories

the smiles of yesteryear
grow fainter by the day
but the contentment they evoke
hold eternal sway

Wilt

sweet memories wilt
upon your frown;
the smiles of yesteryear
like a mirage, vanish

Dandelion Seed

The weeds have grown
over the glen that was ours:
childhood memories shedding
dandelion seed

Landlocked

she gathers mushrooms
for they remind her of oyster shells
but too soon, the rain dries
and the sun takes
her sea away

Memories

Proud of the cane between his fingers
The starched uniform holding in a stiff embrace
By those many friends, forever young.

Countdown

I bottle up scents
The  first night after
The  first fight and tears
First “I love you”s and “I hate you”s
The first fissures and poorly-made welds

I pickle parts
Of that living, breathing thing between us
Always on life-support
Knowing
Time runs out

Tinsel

Lights strung like Christmas tinsel
Ensnares faded memories
In frames of silver-gray

Journey

My thoughts fill with sun and the memories of years past
And though I walk alone along the cherry lane
I shall not look among the new flowers with unease
If the trees renew themselves every year, so must I
My shadow a faithful companion on the journey