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A place I visit often when the chores are done each day.
Its calming stead soothes heart and soul, and fades my cares away.
I stroll along and visit with my friends from days of yore.
Familiar voices greet me as I go from door to door.
Recalling times when we were young and faced the world with strength.
When life's awash with mystery, oblivious to length.
We laugh and talk of zany things, that long ago seemed wise,
Not reckoning their consequence, no fear of our demise.
Reviving aspirations, once pursued with youthful flair,
How shallow now, that vernal wish--"Become a Millionaire!"
We reminisce of this--and that--until we've had our fill.
Most careful not to overstay and blemish shared goodwill.
At home again, I smile a bit, and ponder present trends,
then carefully put thoughts away of cherished yester friends.
Where is this magic boulevard that helps my life stay sane?
Why, just around the corner folks--the address--Memory Lane!
© by Sam Jackson.
Used here with the author's permission.
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Sam Jackson, known as Sajac, was born in Fountain Green, Utah. He grew up working on the family ranch, joined the Navy and fought in the Korean war, came home, married, went to school, then to work in the aerospace and nuclear industry. In 1993, Sam began writing western poetry; when he retired from his day job two years later, he dove full-time into writing and performing, appearing throughout the western U.S. and Canada. In 1999, Sam organized the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, which ran for 17 years. In his spare time, he launched the Desert Image Art and Frame shop, and built or restored 17 old sheep camps. One of those is now on display at the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City, Utah. Sam lives in Kanab, Utah.
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Jancan:
Wonderful, inspirational, moving, and skillfully written!
Posted 06/08/2023 09:06 PM
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Lori Levy:
Wise. Great ending.
Posted 06/08/2023 04:36 PM
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Larry Schug:
You got it right, Sam. Memory Lane is turning into Memory Freeway for us older goats.
Posted 06/08/2023 11:24 AM
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Darrell Arnold:
Sam is a precise rhymer, a clever craftsman, and a darned fine poet. And his message reaches out and grabs those of us in the autumn of our years and makes us do exactly as he suggests -- get in touch with old friends and acquaintances. It's exactly what I've been doing for the past two years. It is well worth the time and effort. Thanks, Sam, for your inspiring message and brilliant presentation of it.
Posted 06/08/2023 08:50 AM
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Michael:
Such poems DO keep our lives "sane." Thank you, Sajac! Please grace our lives with another when you can.
Posted 06/08/2023 08:50 AM
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Joan Luther:
Dancing through the rhythm here leads to the lovely final line.
And thank you for your service!
Posted 06/08/2023 07:32 AM
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