I REMEMBER WELL

I remember, yes, oh, so well
those faces that once looked down at me.
And now through the passage of time,
I look down at you--
and I felt as I did when a child.

Yes, I remember...
you.
Your soft sweet voice, your encouraging words--
when I was a child.

And I remember...
you.
Your tender heart and your gentle ways--
when I was a child.

To those old faces I spoke--
because I remember well.

But you.
I remember you too--very well,
your stern disapproving looks,
your harsh, unpleasant tones.
To you, I did not speak--
because I remember well.

I was afraid that old age had not mellowed
your stern disapproving looks,
your harsh, unpleasant tones.
I was afraid of you--
as when a child
for I remember well.
(5-16-79)