Through sorrow I followed the flames of rites
And casted aside all things that brought me love.
A broken horse, tin soldier, and mangled kite
Tattered bear and soft dove in white

And in the attic there use to be

A cradle that rocked in gentle breeze
Iron cast cars without their wheels
Paper thin butterflies & snowy trees
And dinner plates I used for meals too

The thing lost and most felt in heart

Was not the engine, tracks or robot man
Or little black plastic white-tipped shoes
But something that once brought me smiles
A mere hand puppet that seemed so real

Now I know with clear understanding

Regardless of the pain I feel from longing
That those gifts of youth were put to use
And have now been given to others belonging
Always the memories I’ll have and never lose

There’s always a fond thought for tomorrows
Especially when you remember yesterday’s things.

8/24/94