Give Them Back

Memories crowd
Of days past
When I was a younger man
Filled with strength
Energy
For all that was mine
To care for
To love
And protect.

Give me back
The tender years.
When my babies cooed in the cradle
And sucked on their mother’s breast
The precious years
When laughter filled our house
And they tottered
Room to room
Happy in their innocence.

Give them back.

Those were hungry years
Nights of passion
And days of dreams.

Give them back.

I held hours lightly
Never imagining
They would flee
And my children scatter
Like squirrels in the trees.

Give them back.

The only hope
For an old man
Is that he may dream tonight
Clutching memories
Like gems in his hands
And give them back.