Photograph courtesy of Lawrence Tonsick
Although it’s still officially spring,
this holiday weekend used to bring
the start of days full of joy and grace
that were lived with zeal at a restful pace.
At last, the sun wouldn’t set until late;
the local pool would unlock its gate.
Delighting in being young and free,
we’d pursue whatever we did with glee!
Our bodies covered in baby oil,
we’d lie in the sun ’til we’d recoil
from heat and sweat; then we’d dive right in
and allow the water to cool our skin.
When days were sunless, we’d meet on the lawn
for games of kickball to test our brawn.
At night, we would gather on the porch
to play cards or “Risk” by electric torch.
And always, each Memorial Day,
remembering those who’d passed away,
I’d walk the paths winding up and down
through the cemetery of my hometown.
While I recalled the good times that had been,
a quietude that arose within
combined with the names engraved in stone
to remind me of Truth I’ve always known….
The love of those who we think are gone
forever persists as we move on;
though still recalling what used to be,
it’s the present moment that holds the key.
The month of May is approaching its end,
and warmth comes back like a long-lost friend;
the now has its roots in what was then.
What is past so often returns again!