Vicarious Memory (Why I Write)

In verse I will pour out Vicarious memories Things felt to keenly for the historian's art - Here I will find solace From cold objectivity, And I will speak freely from my inner heart I am forced to the page When I am left winded When generations ago feel like just yesterday When I feel I could travel To years long since ended, And the duty o'ertakes me with something to say In verse I may safely Indulge speculation - Flesh out the bare bones of what might have been Strap facts to the wings Of my imagination, Answer the "what ifs?" in a voice from within How grand when I realized The power it gives me - To make people feel for long-dead fellow man To bring life to the past, Awake wonder and mystery With my heart, and my mind, and the pen in my hand.