#InkRipples - Memories

Memories. I've been thinking about memories a lot lately. Especially how they can change as we age.

A few weeks ago I began to wonder if one of my memories from my childhood had been made up, and it made me realize just how fragile our memories are.  Fortunately my memories weren't made up,  but the sad truth is that the memories of someone close to me are fading and changing.

Memories, like time, are fleeting. Snippets of our past that slip through our fingers like sand. The tighter we try to hold on to them, the faster they seem to race away. Still, I treasure the memories I have...even when I question the truth of them.

I'm no stranger to thinking about memories. Lost memories play an important part in  Charmed Memories, the second novel of my Princess of Valendria series. Imagine what you would do if suddenly you had no memory of your past, not even your name. Would you search until you learned who you were or would you turn your back on the past and create a new life? No spoilers here...you'll have to read Charmed Memories to see what Bri does.

Do you treasure your memories? Have you ever doubted yours? Have you ever lost yours? What would you do if you did lose your memories? Share in the comments below.

In closing, last month's topic of poetry must have intrigued my muse, as I felt inclined to try my hand at writing a poem. So, here is my attempt at a poem on memories.


                       Memories

                       Inscribe on my soul the deeds of my youth,
                       so when I am old I can recall their truths.

                       Etch on my heart the joys and the sorrows
                       I shared with family and friends
                      for me to savor when my time is near end.

                      Allow not time to mar these marks on my soul and heart,
                      for if they are damaged what shall I recall of my past
                      before I depart?


Ripples in the Inkwell is a themed meme hosted by Katie L. Carroll, Kai Strand, and me, Mary Waibel. We post on the first Monday of every month. If you would like to participate compose your own post regarding the theme of the month, include any of the images displayed on the #InkRipples tab above, and link back to our three blogs. Feel free to post whenever you want during the month, but be sure to include #inkripples when you promote so readers can find you. The idea is that we toss a word or idea into the inkwell and each post is a new ripple. There is no wrong interpretation.

#InkRipples-Poetry

Poetry. The art of using as few words as possible to create a a feeling in the reader. An art that can create powerful feelings that last a lifetime.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." 

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

These two famous poems are the first to come to mind when I think of poetry. The first, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, has always spoken to the romantic in me. Who wouldn't want to be told all the ways that someone loved them?

The second, by Robert Frost, is the poem that most defines poetry for me. The imagery used by Mr. Frost painted a pictured of the road in the woods, and the two different paths he could choose from. With just one hundred and fort-four words, Mr. Frost painted an image within my mind that has stayed with me since the first time I heard this poem.

I am not a poet. I cannot seem to find the way to paint my pictures with so few words. Those who have the ability to craft such powerful images with so few words amaze and humble me.

How about you? Do you have a favorite poem or poet? Share who/what in the comments. Do you write poetry? Share a few lines for us to enjoy.


Ripples in the Inkwell is a themed meme hosted by Katie L. Carroll, Kai Strand, and me, Mary Waibel. We post on the first Monday of every month. If you would like to participate compose your own post regarding the theme of the month, include any of the images displayed on the #InkRipples tab above, and link back to our three blogs. Feel free to post whenever you want during the month, but be sure to include #inkripples when you promote so readers can find you. The idea is that we toss a word or idea into the inkwell and each post is a new ripple. There is no wrong interpretation.