Memory can grow a shell
\naround the most delicate flower:
\nthe cottage that was for so long
\na place for children to discover
\nthe scent of grass, the kiss of leaves,
\nthe lyrics of water and sand and
\nlittle shells, and shape and hot
\nand cool and rain and shade
\nand euchre and hiding in the woods
\nin building tree forts and learning to swim
\nand paddle and row and steer\u2014
\nall this can become engraved
\nin the steely fabric of memory
\nuntil it anchors us in the past.<\/p>\n
But there is a wind that blows
\nfrom the setting sun,
\nfrom the lips, the brows
\nof the sons and daughters
\nwhen they return after
\nthe old ones have finished,
\nto pry into the hardened adamantium
\nand breathe fresh blossoms
\nthat will begin the new paradise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When adult children return to the old stomping grounds, they can make a difference. (#937) Continue reading