My Memories Give Me a Great Deal of Comfort

My memories give me a great deal of comfort,

And every single one of them mends

My heart, which suffers from the loss

Of family, relatives, and friends.

 

Ah, those glorious days we spent

Together as we journeyed through life,

Sharing love, laughter, and cheer,

And sometimes struggles through storm and strife.

 

Lifetimes have varied--some were cut short

Long before we'd ever expected.

They are considered short stories

Among life's stories that we've collected.

 

Others have been more fortunate.

Their lives are Russian novels, I'd say.

They lived through multiple generations--

Their skin grew wrinkled; their hair turned gray.

 

Some folks plan to reunite

With loved ones for all eternity.

Others are more inclined to believe

The idea: whatever will be, will be.

 

Of course, we'd rather have the departed

With us, and in a way they are.

The light of their being shines on us

As does the light of a distant star.

 

Therefore, take comfort in memories--

A gentle balm that after a while

Will ease your anguish, lessen your pain,

Dry your tears, and make you smile.

 

-by Bob B (1-4-23)