Memory Thieves

We don’t think of the early memories.

And though the thief is coming,

I think it best he takes those anyway.

So instead remember the rough calloused grasp of an old woman,

With silver hair, brown at the ends, and glasses perched.

Holding on when no one else would.

The love of a mother, but grander.

We’re 17 and rebelling against her.

Our mother lies and pushes us away,

Our Gram takes us in.

She teaches us honesty, love, truths we never knew.

Love fiercely,

Be strong,

Rely on yourself

Don’t lie

Don’t hurt others

These are laws. Live by them.

And we do and always will.

We’re 18.

We climb a mountain with a handsome man.

Not a boy, but a man.

Brown curly locks,

Sweet smile with a Cherub’s face.

We eat foods that our previous life would never allow.

We fall in love with the curly-haired man.

Tangled messes in white sheets,

Calling off work and spending days in bed together.

We are one.

He is everything.

The sun,

The moon,

The sea,

The stars.

We propose.

A 60 dollar ring with the last of our money.

He says yes.

A life is created before our vows,

Sickness takes our minds soon after her birth.

But we are a better mother than ours.

Our husband loves us.

He works,

We sweep,

He works,

We sleep.

But he works for us

So we live well and happy.

Thirteen years go by.

Some tears,

Some pain.

But mostly,

Laughter,

Love,

Honesty,

Truth.

He works,

We paint,

He loves us.

We love them.

The perfect sunbeam of a daughter fills our life.

Everything is for her.

She twirls in the rain and laughs.

We join her and she says;

“Mommy, I love you!”

And we are perfect.

Our mind, mended by love.

No memory is important,

They mean nothing.

But the people and the feelings do.

We are safe,

We are loved.

So we love back.

And that's all we ever need to remember.

Love,

Laugh,

Be true,

Be honest,

Be brave,

Be happy.