Silent, Memory*

Into awareness like a dog called to the fore, but for this admonition:

Dare not recall childhood still. That would admit its hold, and the beauty that was.

Dare not surface memories. If not, you are the old age you are.

Deny them now their voice. Hang to youth made of repression, as long as illusion can last.

The game needs rules. Break them and you'll be down the slide to inevitable's end.

Dare recall to deny this terminus, Master, the story by telling, mastering fate. Once memories're out, they no longer hold.

Show the story its telling's not over. Till the pen rests upon the desk, and the ashes on the mantle . . .

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*For loved ones, family and friends, not necessarily in that order. Christmas 2008