Memories

Ken Stoltzfus, Summer 1987

 

The mind of man is filled with memories of the past

Memories which can bring life, or forbid it

 

Man's pathway is a series of experiences, many beyond his own choosing

Yet, in an awesome way, because they form his memory

They can make him the person he is

And will be

 

Memories form a pocket, or reservoir within the soul of man

A place for them to accumulate, simmer, and permeate all of his being

 

As seasoning spread on the outside of food makes its way into the very core

So do memories flavor the entire being of man

 

Certainly this is not all bad, for it is a capacity God has put within him

 

But as God gave man capacities which can foster life, or forbid it

And holds him accountable for their appropriate use

So man must act responsibly toward the circumstances of life

And their memories

 

Were it only the present moment that were of concern

And were it only his own soul that were at stake

The implications would not be so serious

 

But sweetness begets sweetness

And bitterness, bitterness

And the flavoring of his own future

And those he shares life's path with

Rests, in a way that is almost frightening

On the memories a man allows to permeate his being

 

   Born in 1940, Ken Stoltzfus has worked as a pilot, ordained Christian minister, businessman, missionary to Africa and writer. This is #1 in the section, "Poetry and Piety", at www.flyinghigher.net, and is one of many short writings that can be found there.

 

© 2003, Ken Stoltzfus, flyinghigher.net, P.O. Box 548, Apple Creek, OH 44606 USA. May be printed for personal use and may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes without further permission if proper acknowledgment is given and a copy is sent to the author.