And Then You Remember Poem by RIC BASTASA

you're on top, you display something analytical, tails and heads in perfect harmony.
explanations, rationalizations, conclusions,
therefore,
i am.

then you are down. Colors come. Red, brown, yellow.
Metallic, rust. Shedding off. Tarnished silver.
Cracks. Lost diamonds. Melted gold.
ice turning to drips.
whirlpools. and rocking and pushing and shoving.
no why's please. You touch the lips. Sssh. No words.
No answers. No questions.
Just sitting down. Looking at a sunset. Orange turning to black.
Pure pitch black.

then the stars. Distant stars. You touch your hair.
Breathe the air. Suck them inside your lungs. Expand.
Close your eyes.

Now you are seeing all things in the dark so vividly.
Memories.Children running on the beach. Chasing. Hide and Seek.

On the table clothed with banana leaves, the food are laid.
Bare hands attack. And you gobble and haggle.

Meanwhile, the sea breeze arrive. The beach is empty.
The cradle swings and takes you to your youth.
Imagine what once was there. Just laughter.

You smile. Close your eyes. And then you remember.