I do not choose to remember
but I can not forget,
the sugar of wild strawberries,
the stork with its eel.
Sunshine like a golden peach in a jar.
Swallowtail butterflies and bracket ferns
and green moss around the birdbath growing beards
so one day it will look ancient as it dries-
A snow white grandfather moss.

I can see your face by remembering the white ribbon
you wore in your long hair.
A flag surrendering more of your face's features.
Your sharp cheeks, honeyed eyes, pouting lips and proud chin.
The salty spray from a sultan sea
stippling and flavoring your skin.
Your kisses filling my mouth
like a sommelier tasting wine.
I do not choose to remember,
but I can not forget.

A hat when it's raining perhaps,
a sweater when it's cold outside.
Not to put the cat out
or give the baby its bath
All so easy to forget.
All except you.

I will carry you in my memory always
like a roof shingle in my pocket;
Like two left shoes.
Like listening to two cats fighting
while trying to hear Liszt.
I will carry you in my memory always
careful as children carrying fireflies in a jar.
A ladybug on my finger,
the smell of a rose.
I do not choose to remember,
but I can not forget.