souvenirs

the sky was breathtaking, and I just couldn’t stay inside another moment

so I bundled up for the mid-Michigan spring and made for the open field

green grass and dandelions and springtime flowers surrounded me at every step, and I picked a few to carry along with me

I walked and thought about how I go bumbling along in this life—both beautiful and bitter like this cold Michigan sunset—

and I try to collect places, people, and things and carry them along with me

sometimes you can carry them for a while,

but, like these flowers, they will never last

I have learned that I have to hold these things loosely

so I take pictures on my phone and in my mind

and I keep a box of handwritten letters and souvenirs

these are the memories that I can carry with me (at least for a while)

and yes, still, every time I have to leave, I’m tempted to try and bring the people I love and the places I’ve grown fond of and some things I don’t want to let go of

but time and a little wisdom have taught me that this is folly—

I must hold those precious things loosely

I must learn to let go

and, like the memory of a beautiful, healing sunset in May in Michigan, I must treasure these things in my heart.