Memories Scattered

Brief reflection leaning into the aromas of the past

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light breaking from behind morning’s rainstorm

last day for local school, only a half day in fact

kids passing ecstatic landing in the puddles laughing

as I sit booth-bound in my too-heavy-for-the-weather blazer and sensible shoes

remembering nights now more than two decades gone.

.

we paid our small bills with small bills then [CASH ONLY ACCEPTED]

wearing the era’s college-issued uniform

faded hoodies, well-holed jeans, and cheap flip flops

debating politics and religion and art until

a closing time that never came.

.

I thought I would remember it more clearly

and perhaps I do

recalling the good, regretting the not-so-good

letting the margins of one night blur into another

lost in smells of harsh coffee, sweet syrup, and late spring life.

.

astonished, I realize now I am grateful

to have lived it, lived it all- to have survived at all.

not dying young for love or poetry or faith or madness,

but living long enough to see much good come, and some good ones go,

and to be here alive in this moment ordering another waffle.

.

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