Friday, August 21, 2015

Memories Past and Present


There are many memories of persons, places and emotions
from my past that I love and hold captive in my heart;
memories that I visit and revisit whenever the need arises.
I thought that by returning to those places and persons
it would be like stepping into a room
where nothing has changed over time.
I was wrong, life is not like that.

Where there once were many trees and multicolor foliage,
now there are houses, shopping centers, and super highways.
Where there once was a sandy beach I could stroll on,
now there are stones and rough terrains that are uninviting.
Where once conversations were about joie de vivre,
now they center on aches & pains, health & aging.

Upon reflection, I realize that
as I go from one moment to the other,
from one experience to the other, I change.
Whether I perceive it or not, I am different,
and, in that same manner,
the people and places I love have changed too.

Now, what should I do with my memories?
Should I adjust them? Should I keep them intact?
Should I abandon them and try to forget?
I choose to keep them because
only in my mind, only in my memories
can all past moments and experiences remain the same,
like the photographs I treasure and feel compelled to
contemplate from time to time.

I know that whenever I feel the need,
I will go back to those special moments
and enjoy them for a short while,
knowing that they belong in my past,
knowing that I must return to my present moment
and weave new memories.
                                                                                          Mildred Santiago

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