I Have To Stop Living In The Past Too Much Poem by Shalom Freedman

I have to stop living in the Past too much
Stop remembering moments with those gone
Stop focusing on the grief and longing for them
As if this were noble loyalty
I must stop searching to remember
As if this were the highest writer's task
The truest source of real feeling
I must try to reduce the pangs of sorrow
The hurt of loss
Not to forget completely
Or even not to forget at all
But not to make of remembrance the most sacred work
Of my life
And not make of longing for those not here
My greatest love of all.