Never erased

Never Erased

Before my babies, locks of hair, very light, wispy and fair,

And while looking through all emotions, so unprepared!

What my mum had saved; words written for his valentine;

My dad's love and thoughts poured out before he signed.

Played on piano, some music written, so romantic

By fountain pen, so painstaking but not so pedantic.

My Dad, heart on his sleeve now all kept safe and secure.

Such happy memories now I'm older and matured.

A sister, a bit older who gave life to her son Ben, 

I didn't know and did not predict what would happen then.

But all kept for years some funny words to enjoy and read

Never would have guessed where his life would finally lead.

Love and new life from well - wishers during our two births

New pink and blue with years apart now live on this earth.

Pictures from the hospital from a three month old scan,

Now all grown and maturing into a lovely well mannered man.

A  precious little Gem with such deep and meaningful drawings,

Kept school reports among so many very precious belongings.

So full of love and colour and deeply profound meanings,

Quiet and deep, she worked and did not need any intervening.

Support and meaningful letters from some special friends,

Poems thought out for a purpose and then carefully penned.

Birthday and Christmas cards from girlfriends that have passed

Am crying now, happy and sad with tears that fall so fast.

Emotions and thoughts written down from a difficult divorce;

My lovely daughter who suffered more in the long run of course.

The paper that she wrote on poured out all her feelings

And years on end for her to come to terms and deal with.

Little clothes for little people, the first pair of shoes!

Over the years and time again to go through and peruse!

A little dress, a tiny top that looked too small to fit

Those little people love them both, every little bit!

Smiling now, with laundry baskets, days of happy vacuum!

Handmade, made with love and colour in the classroom.

Mother’s day, Christmas, birthday, Easter and some thanks.

A book that was never started with a small collection of stamps!

And the one I love has safely stored from nieces and nephews,

Kept some letters from the past, from me the one he rescued!

Cousins, aunties, close relations all kept and in a safe space.

Read again and in my heart they all have a special place.

All kept in the back of the loft in a large red suitcase,

Cards and keepsakes all with a special memory embraced.

All my emotions today have been reawakened and stirred

Every single card has love and care as I ponder over words.

I've cried so many tears today and will cry again!

Handmade cards, handpicked words, heartache and the pain.

The life inside that suitcase can never be replaced

And anything as special in the future will never be erased.

Copyright Linda Lawrence

16th February 2019