Memories Are Forever

Each and every morning

After the dawn chases away the dark

An old man slowly makes his way

To his bench inside the park

He always packed himself a lunch

And he would sit there all alone

He would feed the little animals

With crumbs he brought from home

The animals they all knew him

For he came here every day

They would all run up to greet him

For the crumbs he threw their way

He would sit and talk to them

As if they truly understood

Everything he told them

Which made him feel so good

His face would always light up

And his eyes how they would glisten

To see his little furry friends

Appear to sit and listen

He would tell them of his younger days

When he was in his prime

How he had laboured endlessly

Just to earn a dime

Never taking anything for granted

Appreciating all that he had earned

Upon reflecting on the past

There was so much he had learned

He would look up at them from time to time

And his friends would still be there

Their little eyes all fixed on him

You would have thought that they all cared

He told them he was married once

A love that lasted years

He showed them all her photograph 

His eyes now wet with tears

He had met her in a hospital

In a country across the sea

He had been injured during battle

While serving in the navy

She had given him the best of care

Catered to his every whim

And before too long they fell in love

And he asked her to marry him

Soon the two of them were married

They planned to live forever side by side

Forever gave them forty years

And then his lifemate died

They were never blessed with children

But neither questioned why

It breaks his heart to think of her

And sometimes he still cries

All his friends were gone now

He had no one to share his grief

He had often thought of dying

Thought it might bring some relief

But then he thought that foolish

He thought it what a waste

It would be like taking a gift from God

And throwing it in His face

He then said “You dear little animals

Are all my closest friends

You are what makes my life worthwhile

You gave me the will to live again”

They had eaten all the bread crumbs

The old man had brought that day

Still they remained there listening

As if compelled to stay

The old man gathered up his things

And wished them all farewell

That he would be back tomorrow

With all new tales to tell

The little animals did not stir

As the old man slowly walked away

It was like they were going to miss him

As if wishing he would stay

They seemed to know that one day

He may not come again

They all then went their separate ways

When it began to rain

It was like Heaven started crying

To think an old man could be so strong

Forever carrying a broken heart

And still have the will to carry on

If one day he does not return

They will know where he will be

Recovering from his broken heart

With his true love in eternity

So until that unwelcomed day arrives

A day that will bring much sorrow

They will meet him here at his bench

To visit with him again tomorrow

True friends like memories

Never perish, forever cherished

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