MEMORIES

What is a memory
How does it exist
Does it define us
Or do we define it
Memories moving through my mind
They take me different places, different times
Memories of when we win and lose
Maybe if we're careful we can choose
Choose to keep the memories we love
Ones that lift our spirits up above
Get rid of all the ones that bring us down
We don't need to keep them around
We can define our lives by the light
That we keep in our hearts, that we keep in our sights
That we shine and receive as we learn to repeat
Only sweet victories, letting go of defeat
Cause a good memory can lift us out sadness
Can bring relief in a moment of madness
And if we practice refining our thoughts
We will soon be amazed with the life that we've got
Memories moving through my mind
They take me different places, different times
Memories of when we win and lose
Maybe if we're careful we can choose
Remembering who and what we were
Can help make sense of what has occurred
Can help us know who we've become
What can and what can't be undone
The memories move in so many directions
No linear order, just strange intersections
Of thoughts and emotions and haphazard instances
We can get lost in such deep reminiscences
Still we remember that now is a precious gift
Yes, we dip into the past when we need a lift
But we must not let ourselves get so overwhelmed
By our own history that it becomes a shell
Live in the moment, remember the past
Make plans for the future, 'cause moments don't last
But know that the future can wait, take a moment please
Now is the time when we make all our memories
Memories moving through my mind
They take me different places, different times
Memories of when we win and lose
Maybe if we're careful we can choose
Conversations with my mother in the evenings
I remember sorrow when she was leaving
Punishments and precious advice from grandfather
Knowledge that was given and never simply offered
Delicious food and hugs from my grandma
Her kindness was always something I could plan on
Late nights sneaking out my bedroom window
To meet up with my friends and head out to the disco
Round-the-clock workouts, endless competitions
Street fights, testing new skills on opposition
My first job, it felt like a page had been turned
I remember the joy of my first dollar earned
Meeting my future wife, hand me a tissue
The first time she whispered, I love you, I miss you
Thoughts of the love and the life we were building
How could I forget when I first held our children
Memories moving through my mind
They take me different places, different times
Memories of when we win and lose
Maybe if we're careful we can choose