I Remember

I remember Squatting outside front door across from Dad Little caterpillar with branch we "stab" Evilly childish deed Never truly desiring to hurt Just being with my honorable father It should not be forgotten I remember Her complex love, as a simple comfort Kitchen chair grandma brushed my hair Her touch softened me Whispers of beauty Simple grace in a simple pony Admiration of youth plus some longing It should not be forgotten I remember From grandparents' flat, sobs in the back row Looking up at the softly lit window Rain on cheeks Settle in spring Does leaving them not make them lonely Older folks all seem so sad already It should not be forgotten I remember From my mother's wallet I was stealing Just a dollar in ragged man's cup placing Denying the "truth" Dare not to look Teach us kids fair, care, and sharing Yet in something so plain they not doing It should not be forgotten I remember my youth, my childhood Tears, laughter, temper not worn away For joy, for pity, sorrow, and shame For every little thing, I cared, dreamed, and wondered Yet at the same time, nothing really mattered Hurt easily forgotten Hate easily forgiven Leaving only love, innocence, compassion What did the world, the time do to me? All deeply hidden and buried Or lost forever within me It should not be forgotten No, no, no, no Let it not be forgotten