A Wall In Time Poem by Ray Andrews

I recently drove past the house
Where I grew up. Different in color,
But basically the same.

Stunning. I felt light and dizzy
As so many memories flooded
My mind. Did that all happen?
So long ago? The yelling, the
Anger, the love, the nurturing,
The laughter, the fear?

A wall of time separated me
From those days. I wanted-for
Just a minute-a door to open.
To hug my mother, see my room,
To see old girlfriends, to feel the
Hope and innocence of an eighteen
Year old. To smell freshly cut
Lawn in 1961.

The wall was solid. No door, no
Breach, no sounds behind the wall.
I knew it wasn't good to linger.

I walked away. Live for today.

Soon enough, I too will
Be behind a wall.