when I think of those times
how life used to be then
paper boats floating on water
paper aeroplanes flying all over
origami made my mind sharp
also made my fingers coordinate
when I think of those times
how life used to be then
I used to serve tea in my tiny cups
(those times were rare)
my dolls were my guest
and my brothers envied me
when I think of those times
how life used to be then
writing notes was the norm
photocopying was unheard of
hanging out in the canteen
used to be only guilty pleasure
when I think of those times
how life used to be then
half-way through I stop myself
what I have now is priceless too
I possess my memories
not to forget my creativity too
when I think of those times
how life used to be then
I don't regret anything
not then, not now
you can't stop the time
from going leaps and bounds
It's true - it's so easy to idealize the past. I do it too. Then, like you, I remember how priceless (and magical) the here and now are.
ReplyDeleteI like the surprise "near-rhyme" at the end.
I'm drinking to the future! It can only get better.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to remember where we came from without regret.
ReplyDeleteThat was gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have thought of those times often. Though I can't say I don't have at least a regret or two.
those times were great..these times are awesome and tomorrow. may your tomorrows be just great as your yesterdays
ReplyDeleteLike how you stopped mid-way. I was on a trip down memory lane and getting quite nostalgic but one cannot live only in the past on memories? Thank you for post.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Nice reflection.
ReplyDelete'I used to serve tea in my tiny cups
ReplyDelete(those times were rare)
my dolls were my guest
and my brothers envied me'
I love the feeling of this stanza, being a former tea-party-for-my-dolls kind of girl.
I think a great part of life is creating memories. My wife Jane reminds me of this often. Your poem is full of reminiscing, but without regrets. My only regret is timing flying by so quickly, seeing my two sons grown up and knowing the time gone by is more than the time left.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful piece of introspection.
ReplyDeleteAh, but nostalgia is just a minor form of depression. Remember, we're all here because we're not all there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of memories as possessions.
ReplyDeleteA poem of two halves, each equally riveting! Thanks for the reminder that while our memories are important, we must also "grasp the moment".
ReplyDeleteNo regrets is good - makes all memories happy.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem, and so very true. No one can take away one's memories...and in poetry (such as this one), you can visit them again and again.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the refrain and am glad that you have no regrets. We can only ever take life for what it is in the moment!
ReplyDeleteAt least you have a way to preserve those cherished memories - by using your poetry! Brilliantly done.
ReplyDeleteLove how you flip the nostalgia here - it's OK to look back but the future is also bright.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! To regret nothing from the past is truly euphoric. Great take on the prompt!
ReplyDelete-Weasel
The present is the only time we have, had, or ever will have. The past as memory in the present, the future as plan, hope, or fear. But now. All now. Time barrels on, but it is always now.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you move from idealized memories to satisfaction with the way thins are now. Nice!
Memories are some of our greatest possessions! Great post!
ReplyDeletePamela
I like the way the past has its place, but it's not the future.
ReplyDeleteloved reading your words Gautami....as much as YOU loved writing them....thanks
ReplyDeleteWhat does one say to a bright light? Can I have some, on loan of course? I do have regrets, but am smashing them, one brick at a time. And you just reminded me that if I stop, I am wasting now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, once again, for your wisdom and the light,
Elizabeth
Good point, but I am glad you mention those small things of the hands. (I still like paper airplanes)
ReplyDeleteMemories and words. As I was working on my Big Tent poem, I thought they were all I truly possess.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU
What a lovely, clear-eyed reflection on life!
ReplyDeleteSo very true! I know at times I would love to stop time, but then think of all I might miss!
ReplyDeleteYour remembrances were lovely.
I really enjoyed these memories you've selected, and that last image of time going in leaps and bounds.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, the wonderfulness of the past - I always think it must be true because there were no decisions to make- it WAS as we remember it. :)
ReplyDeleteA delightfully wise and enjoyable poem...
this poem has a whole different feel to it i cannot explain.. tho very much u... a wonderful journey with a ray of surprise humor... not very often.... it is always a joy to pass thru...
ReplyDeleteI liked the repetition, like memories themselves, we keep going back. I like thinking about how possessions and what is "valuable" changes over time. I really like what you've done here with memory as the possession. I tried to do something similar.
ReplyDelete