A Look Back

A Look Back
by Nancy Bennett

When do our thoughts begin to wander to the past
At what age do we start saying “I remember when”
Is it necessary to keep our youth, our vibrancy
Does it bring our past forward, linking our present
Keeping us strong, active, spirits soaring, carefree
Justifying the time that has gone before
Too quick, in a blink we are old, we start reminiscing
Recreating, hanging on for dear life, clinging, desperate
Not knowing what lies ahead, fearful, anxious

Past and present intermingling, recollections
Familiarity, feeling safe in our thoughts, saying them out loud
Substantiating, keeping them alive, desperate to validate our lives
Meaningful, our existence dependent on remembrance
Afraid of forgetfulness, afraid our existence will dwindle away, become imaginary
The future unknown, the past comfortable, pleasing, satisfying
We go forward fearful, delicately holding on to the past
Rekindling memories, embracing what once was
Hoping the future will become our past