As Time Goes By

As time goes by
I think of the past and of my life.
I think of all the years gone by.
Of what was important and
what was wasted. And I think of you.
I think of all the pain,
of all the tears and
all the joys.
As I grow older
I have many memories to enfold.
The anger was wasted time,
and the grief was my own fault
for allowing it to control.
The regrets are many
and the joys were too.
Yes, there is a balance of nature
God gives to each of us.
The joys are universal
and so are the pains.
I remember my mother's love.
I remember a father's love and abuse.
I remember my first love's kiss,
and how he is missed.
I was happy in my youth.
I remember building a snowman with you,
with laughter in the air.
I remember the Christmas tree lights
one very special year.
I remember my wedding day.
I remember our honeymoon on a tropical isle.
The sweetness of the pineapples
that were freshly picked.
I remember a mother's pride
when first holding my infant child.
The joy then was unsurpassed.
I remember when we went camping
and made love in the tent.
As time goes by it seems the memories
are all I have left.
I remember picking out an apartment with you.
And, oh, I remember the way I loved you.
I remember decorating our first house.
So many things have caused grief
and have caused joy.
But, when I die I will know that
the golden rule prevails
in all of life.
I will die knowing that "Love",
pure love, is the answer to
all who are wise.




by Dottie
Fontaine