How varied your memories are
from mine
as time passes.
Your memories made you call me,
made you want to say hi,
like we were old chums.
My memories made me sick with horror
at the sound of your voice.
Your memories made the planes
in Dallas a warm, tender, bittersweet sound.
My memories were grateful for the machines
that flew you away where you could not cause harm.
Your memories sent flowers
to greet my birthday
with longings that you were nearer.
My memories made me hate those
poor, innocent flowers and
filled my special day with dread.
Your memories sent a postcard
for Christmas
with wishes that time and I
were reversible.
My memories are so thankful we’re not.
Your memories look at my picture
and imagine that everything’s the same
in my life
because everything’s the same
in your memories.
My memories made me
change everything in my life
so your memories
and you
can never find me again.
~ cj 1996.05.21
