THE LITTLE BOX OF MEMORIES
© Michael Carlie 2020
I found a little box, filled with memories
Tokens of my life from years ago
Boy Scout badges and handsome tie clips
Bringing back memories I had let slip
away.
My sock as a baby and an old shoestring
I wondered what memory the next thing will bring
Then there they were, my old baby teeth
I found them, they were beneath
The Kennedy half dollar dated ’76
I was filled with joy at the wonderful mix
Of memories, all good and joy-filled
Of a life well lived upon which I distilled
The meaning of life, of friends and family
Of people I loved and miss so badly
I found a lock, it had a key
I couldn’t remember what it meant to me
Then I found my late cat’s flea tag
Little “Cookie,” I used to brag
About how smart and clever she was
And, oh, how I remember those claws
We’d play for hours and chase each other
Then she’d hide under my bedcover
She lived a long life, not long enough
Losing her was very tough
Unconditional love, so seldom found
I remember her meow, a sweet little sound
I’d hear it when I sang to her
every Sunday, and I’d hear her purr
It’s funny how these little tokens
Bring back memories all unbroken
Memories that may lead to more
Opening another door….to the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Carlie is a graduate of both the University of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis. He is retired from Missouri State University after a career as a university professor specializing in criminology and sociology. His current interests are in art and he plays both guitar and composes on piano. He is also known to perform as a singer now and then. Creating poetry is often a prelude to his songwriting.