An Exercise in Thought

Lay still on your bed,
With your eyes closed,
And your mind wide open.

Reach out with your arms,
Strain to recall the happiest moment
Of your entire life,

Remembered—
Like that fourth grade teacher
Who was sure you had talent,
That early spring,
Your first kiss,
A broken arm,
And the headache you got from
The only cigarette
You ever smoked,
Remembered like all these,
But more vivid.

Is it the memory of that sunrise on the beach,
The touch of cool brick beneath your bare feet,
The sound of church-bells ringing out?

Sometimes
What should be fleeting
Will never fade.

I’m glad.

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