A Walk Down Memory Lane

Spring - an experience in immortality. - Thoreau

today, on a daily constitutional through what's left of my mind

spied a house with two bushes in the front yard

bursting with tiny flowers

saw yet a third on the way back

like a sneak attack

instantly reminded that my paternal grandmother had gifted two at the house i grew up in

planting them with her own hands

a grandmother i never got to know

she passed when i was but an infant

couldn't help but think how memories are planted when and where we least expect

at least that's how i think of it

last time i checked

in the sanctity of white bedecked

bleached, robed azalea

nana's splendor and regalia

reminding that roots of love are strong

and that which is planted deeply and rightly can never grow wrong

Author's Note

"They were pleasant spring days, in which the winter of man's discontent was thawing as well as the earth, and the life that had lain torpid began to stretch itself." - Thoreau

Reviews

[AYVID N]

"reminding that roots of love are strong
and that which is planted deeply and rightly can never grow wrong"

Dear Pete, you have stated such a powerful and glorious truth in these lines that struck such a chord in me. I often feel guilty for over loving people in my life but my intentions are always sincere. And so, from your words it means, I can never go wrong. So assuring....

The other thought expressed beautifully is that of how memories are planted where least expected. Indeed, we go about expecting beauty to sprout where we'd like it to but life desists and points us to her own chosen spots. Yet positivity, wherever planted just grows and gives and gives and gives...

This is a poem with wonderful analogy, thoughts and words that I just loved.

[Pete]

you remind that poets are deep, caring, sensitive people. you have gleaned much meaning and it is appreciated. here's hoping that we continue to bloom in this life. thank you.

[emmajoygreen]

You find beauty in everything, Pete - as does your mentor. Here are plants, there to share beauty and gifts thar few human beings can understand or share. What grows can - if planted in the right place, with the correct conditions survives life long, but, do the same with Man or Woman, there are no guarantees for the same.

Azaleas give abundantly, as the picture shows. The same applies to memories. They might fade through age, but write of them - as you have so beautifully, and.. their words will become set in Time.

'I have a room all to myself; it is nature'

You are such are such a fine and instinctive writer. Many thanks as ever.

[Pete]

healthy roots are well grounded. that which gives abundantly is a blessing. aren't 'ya kind. aren't 'ya now for watering this simple truth with your dear, shared thoughts.

[emmajoygreen]

I love my work, I love the knowledge growth provides, I love Thoreau!

Must away before I turn into a pumpkin!

[Pete]

the person who tills soil never loses touch - mine. a poet needs sleep to travel and dream.

[emmajoygreen]

On my way to dreamland - at last!

[Sami Khalil]

You are rooted in good soil. You grew up without a spoil. You achieved without a foil. Those gifts given were meant to last in your appreciation, to use in life's application. You have to have good roots, walk with strong boots to your destiny.

[Pete]

you speak a hard truth my friend. those bushes she planted have stood the test of time, indicative of healthy roots as you say. thank you for sharing valuable thoughts.

[Sami Khalil]

I agree wholeheartedly. You have to have that good base. You are welcome sir Pete of great Boston. It is filled with famous talents of old and new as you are.

[Neville]

I too share similar recollections of the distant past .. and I have oft wondered how the mechanisms of memory (because they are many and complex) are triggered by the single sight, smell, taste touch or sound of something .. in your case and on this occasion, by a couple of white bedecked, bleached robed azalea's .. however, no matter since they served as the inspiration for the resurrection of your own treasured memories and also a very muchly enjoyed poem .. Good day & with respect .. Neville

[Poetic Beauty]

I love how these flowers took you down memory lane

[Pete]

i've been seeing them around lately in bloom and it unexpectedly triggered memories of growing up.

[Poetic Beauty]

It’s amazing how something so common can trigger a memeory

[Betty Hermelee]

There is a kind of love and tenderness to those who take the time to plant their own flowers bushes, etc…. And the care they give to them is memorable…. So it’s not surprising that you have such fond memories of the plantings your grandmother completed years ago and is part of the family treasures…. Very sweet and written so well!
As always
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous imagery and capturing of the scene.

[Pete]

thanks twc. we never know how or when a memory will be triggered, even those we didn't even know that we had.

[John Sullivan]

Boy, as someone who's been on the proverbial journey through the past lately, this one is on point. I've been thinking a lot about family, old friends (and enemies).... Memory is a funny thing

[Pete]

ain't it though? interesting how they get triggered sometimes. thank you j.s.

[mou]

I can talk with your wonderfully painted imagery. Grandma is always special ❤
I Love this poem.
As usual, I never return with an empty heart and smile after reading your work, and today I'll save this one - '...how memories are planted when and where we least expect...'
- mou

[Pete]

much too kind you are. being able to appreciate such things speaks of the heart of the reader.

[John the Baptist]

In a rapidly changing world, it's nice to know some things persist, at least for a time.

[Pete]

indeed. world changing so rapidly hardly time for roots to take hold anymore - everything seems temporary and throw-away. different world then we grew up in.