My wife and I were going through some things in the attic yesterday. We happened across a box full of keepsakes that we had placed out of sight and out of mind. We brought the box down and found some interesting things each of us had stored away.

I happened on some old Boy Scout patches and merit badges, various ticket stubs to memorable events, and some old shorts and poems I had written some long years past.

My wife took some and began to read. She handed me a crumpled page, asking if I remembered when I had written it. Instantly memories I had put away came flooding back at seeing the poem I had written to read at my Mother’s funeral.

As her birthday has recently passed and the 10 year anniversary of her passing quickly approaches, I thought I would share this with the world. Her passing left me with a weighty feeling - simpler times were gone forever. While I have found joy in the new life since her passing, each thought of her brings pangs for yesterday’s life.

Simpler times are not remembered, they only linger;

simpler things cannot recall these times of pain and words of comfort.

With whispered words within my heart,

I reflect upon and walk beneath my shaded feelings and hollowed cries.

These thoughts called to mind have now called to light

my memories of yesterday and better times.

Bathed in sunlight and its golden glow are things of joy and living hope:

A Mother’s kiss and outstretched arms,

simple words not knowing harm.

Her soul sings songs of living on, now giving light to that beyond.

It is these simpler times I now remember,

these simpler things that offer me comfort.

In times of pain my heart rejoices,

as I think of thoughts and dream my dreams of yesterday and better times -

things my Mother’s kiss and outstretched arms

- simply gave to me.

One thing in life is constant, and that is change. My life has been, and always will be, changing; the road I travel leaves me both wiser and richer, but sometimes scarred. May peace be with you, and may God’s blessings light a path in your darkest hour.

Sincerely,

Ken

photo credit to isa13