September Night

Every year as September ages, I begin to search inside myself for memories, which haven’t been attended to since last year. It’s not that I’ve forgotten; it's just that over time other things get piled upon them, and they disappear from view. So at this time in the year, a little fall memory cleaning is in order to reconnect with those old friends that are beautiful yet hard to recall.

As is most often the case, my thoughts usually wax toward a state of reflection and sadness. It is difficult to visit those happy/sad memories we all have. They provide smiles and tears, as well as laughter and sadness. Such is the power of memories and who are we to shape them into something they cannot become. They simply have the power they have because of us and the thoughts we've attached to them.

So on the evening of the 911 terrorist attack anniversary, I searched out some memories I’d stored away and shook them like snow globes and watched with awe as the magical swirls began. This poem is the result of those minutes I spent with some of my best/worst memories. I hope you enjoy it and I hope it makes you think of some of your own memories.

I remember

I remember a midnight

Together we did share

A viewing of the sky

Stars shined everywhere.

We laughed and talked

With heads turned up to see

A splendid sight above

Together you and me

Now years lay between

That memory and today

But the really strong ones

Can seem like just the other day

I keep that memory safe

Tucked into a corner of my mind

And sometimes when it’s quiet

I take it out and find

It’s still just as bright

As the stars were on that night

And if I listen, I just might.

Hear your laughter soft and light.

But it can’t be like that tonight

Time has taken you from us

And left memories adorned with pain

Along with a faithful promise