Memories?

They go so fast.

Mindlessly rushing past.

Nothing good lasts.

Memories.

Crash.

The air is crisp and the big tree by the road is haloed in golden leaves. It’s just perfect, my friend sighs. We go for coffee in a renovated corner gas station. It’s crowded. The baristas have shoopas and chunky knit sweaters on. There’s laptops everywhere. Out by the lake, calm and still. The far trees are mirrored in the clear blue. We sit on a bridge, our pencils scratching away. We talk in the starry night. Our bare feet were drawn up into the blankets.

They go so fast.

Mindlessly rushing past.

Nothing good lasts.

Memories.

Crash.

The air is hot and the wind stirs the roses out by the white fence. There’s yellow jackets out there. I don’t disturb them. They’re happy buzzing around the little tree. Inside it’s wet and warm. The sun burns through the plastic as I lift tomatoes and peppers onto the netted table. I water them. They like being watered. They soak it up and beg for more. The petunias give me rash. I have to be careful when I handle the baskets. It always smells good.

They go so fast.

Mindlessly rushing past.

Nothing good lasts.

Memories.

Crash.

The air is calm. The wind chimes hang silent, so I give them a nudge. I have a cup of aromatic brew in my hand. Hot coffee is good, all the time. The leaves have just begun to appear on the ancient tree in the front yard. It looks as if it will live through another season. I’m out in bare feet, even if the ground is cold. It’s good to connect with the earth. I have a sense of anticipation. Planting the garden. Picking the daffodils. Smelling the lilacs. They don’t last very long.

They go so fast.

Mindlessly rushing past.

Nothing good lasts.

Memories.

Crash.

The air is icy cold. Snow drifts gently down and melts as it kisses the frozen ground. Cups of hot chocolate are passed around the kitchen table. Everyone is intent upon the game. I’m wrapped up in the moment. This time. This life. Don’t go so fast. Stay awhile. The lights are warm inside, with pinecones and candles placed around the house. Candy canes are placed in the chocolate. Love is evident. Stay awhile, time. Don’t go so fast.