I Remember Records Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I remember the feel of records
The feel of the vinyl, tracing the grooves
The cardboard sleeve undulating in my hand
Putting the needle down and waiting for the song to begin

I remember the look of records
The cover art and the back cover art or photos
The inside sleeve which might be white and blank
Or it might contain lyrics and fancy graphics

I remember the sound of records
The hiss and pop, the scratch that makes a record jump or repeat the same part over and over
The separation of the instruments
The better listening experience

I remember the crates I kept my record collection in
I also remember how easily replaced they were by something more compact
They've discontinued my memories

They decree everything is temporary and easily replaced
They've discontinued my memories

They decree value will be increased but only for collectors
They've discontinued my memories

They decree merchandising must occur by force if necessary
They've discontinued my memories