I remember

I remember so many small memories they would seem to be

insignificant

if only they were not remembered, clinging to me.

I remember the taste of a snowflake as a young child. Red cheeks, a hat, and the air smelling as if it was just made.

I remember the first kiss to a girl named, Jane, in the first grade, and how she slapped and pushed me away

I remember working hard at everything so that in doing so I might succeed.

There was much so very important at the time and then replaced for more important memories.

The memories of the military, of fishing, of love, of hate

India, Sweden, France, Germany, England, Phillipines, Japan, Korea, so many places I've been

so much to see.

Food beyond compare.

Experiences of which few would even consider to believe

and yet, here I sit writing as if it could mean something, knowing it is a memory, so very important to me

I remember, the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet

and what is strange

I remember the futures, that yet to come for so many, so many others that will remember

and see...

For this and many others, I will be glad once it all ends

leaving small bits of paper with memories written on them

blowing in the wind.