Recently my memory wants my full attention.

She is like a spoiled brat these days and will not leave me alone.

She waves old letters and old photographs in front of me.

Daring me to ignore her.

She tells me stories.

Stories of days when I was young.

When I was beautiful.

When I was in love.

When I walked the Via Lido.

When I ate a gelato.

She reminds me of my cousins and the laughter we shared.

She forces me to remember the ones who are gone.

 The ones who loved me.

Then.

When we were young.

She pulls at my heart.

She doesn’t play fair.

~