Fleeting Memories

Fleeting Memories

I can go
Days- weeks-
Even months
Without thinking of you,
Not even once.

Then like a tornado
You come whirling, into my head,
I see you here-
I see you there-
I see you near-
I see you far-
I see you everywhere.

Memories of you
That were once Fleeting-
Return to me all at once.
Beautiful memories...at first.
Like how we first met-

You the transfer student-
Rushing to your class
Me looking down-
Nose stuck in a book.
Then suddenly WHACK!
Papers, Binders, books, fall to the floor.
Even I fall with them.

Rubbing the goose egg-
On the back of my head
Is when I hear your voice-
The deep, strong, clear voice-
You Ask many things
But I cannot speak-
Everything in my mind went blank.
I was so caught up in your voice.

Flash forward a year from that day.
I see your shoulder length, orange hair,
I see the stubble
On your chin, jaw, and upper lip.
I see your bright green eyes
Full of worry, as you ask me out,
I instantly say yes!

Flash forward a year later-
I'm laying in a hospital bed.
You by my side, anxiously waiting,
For my hip surgery to begin-
The doctors come in, signaling its time,
You passionately kiss me
You then whisper in my ear-
A promise to make me your wife.
I only looked at you,
And Said "we're only sixteen."

Flash forward a year later-
You and I are at,
Some winter dance at school.
Your hair is cut short
Your beard is cut clean off.
You are dressed to the nines-
While I, dressed in a silver,
Leopard print dress.
I was so nervous, as you took my hand-
You take me not to where,
Everyone else is dancing-
But to the library.
Where you got on one knee
And ask for my hand.
I cry out, tears streaming down my face,
I shake my head no-
I tell you, we are too young,

Flash forward a year later.
My phone rings, your name appears,
On the caller ID.
But it wasn't you-
It was your older sister
Wailing frantically-
Telling me to come Quick!
Rushing to your house-
I find out why, your sister is wailing,
As I soon joined her-

Fire engulfed everything-
I see a shadow walking
Out from the house,
It was you.
Relief struck me...but it didn't last
For you hugged then kissed me-
Then you said:
"I have to go save my brothers...Goodbye my Love."
I watched you helplessly-
As you went bacj
Into the house full of flames,
Never to come out again-

The memories fade-
Returning me back to
The present, with tears streaming,
Down my face.
Wishing that I could
Turn back time-
So I could have
more time with you,
So I could hear your voice-
So I could see your smile.
But alas all I'm left with.
Is the letters, the ring,
And Fleeting memories.

-Sleeping Forest