Lyrics of Savoring Memories

I picked a peony
The first one of the season
To savor the smell of memories
throughout my walk to the cemetery

My first thought: I’m eager to pick it!
My second thought: I should save it
Save it for days to come
When the brilliance
would be better than now.

But why wait?
Was my final thought.
Memories are made in a moment
This moment has come.

My childhood bloomed
reminiscing about these bubblegum blossoms
pinkpeony's still bigger than my palm

Now as I sit contemplatively
in this place of memories
amidst the flags and flowers of Memorial Day
the daughter comes to visit this graveside bench
and asks if I knew them.

I honor the care with which the flowers
of this resting place were tended
An obvious tribute to the love shared
and to the memories savored

May we share an impression
Of peacefully bright blue sky
and softly singing birds
In the golden light of this passing day

And the flowers
Don’t forget the flowers.
The beauty, and the smells
And the gifts that they give.
We know oh so well.

Let’s savor the memories
As we hold the present
with the tenderness
and gift of this tribute

The deliciously scented peony
still in the palm of my hand
I’m so glad I picked it!
And I didn’t wait for the band

This moment is now my memory
I'll savor it with tranquility.

© 2021 Dan Carlson and Jenelle Boyer
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