16 January 2010

My Memory is a Child's Toy

My past
Viewed through a kalideoscope
Does not always swirl, colorful.

Pieces get caught
In the internal mechanisms
Of this child's toy
So that the sight consists of fragments of fragments
With others left out, forever hiding in dark corners.

I like to practice remembering.
Puzzling these pieces together
Aware that my construction of the past--
As I shift, slowly, through fragmented colors--
Won't match your's: it can't.
Nor should it.

I used to be content
To use the aid (the crutch?)
Of photographs and words
In my practice of remembering.

However
I have noticed this:
Taking the camera away from my face
Strengthens the memory muscle
And so do my friends:
We take moments from the day
To delve into the past
And watch the show.

5 comments:

TommyT said...

You make me lose my eyes and remember also. Without the aid of pictures, I find myself longing for others to remember with......

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I have found in recent years, I have been taking fewer photographs, because I want to experience the moment as it is, in the present. Simultaneously, I enjoy review pictures others have taken on the same trip. I enjoy remembering the amusing situations and the different perspective that are captured by others.

Sue said...

My collection of photos is certainly like a kaleidoscope- waiting for someone to help me piece it together by date.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your writings but also you have a talent for poetry.