For What It's Worth

For What It's Worth

What's worth remembering, and then forgetting?

You say your demented mother
no longer remembers your father,
yet you notice how her face softens
when she hears stories about him.

Every day you drive to work
on a road called Victory Parkway.
But no one seems to remember
the victory it commemorates.

You usually recall
names you need to know,
where you left your keys,
significant dates,
what others will forget,
a childhood wound,
your favorite recipe,
the steep price you paid
to get where you are.

Some will call you lucky
if you can let go and forget
all of the worthless things,
especially your resentments.

But rest assured knowing
there are also as many things
well-worth remembering,
as there are to forget.

---

A sorrow's crown of sorrow
is remembering happier times.
~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson