Memories
or
Morriņa
In days long past in good old London Town
When youth's first flowers were in full bloom
And life a merriment from sun up to sundown
Fate did for a summer on the gods' cosmic loom
Bring us together on a quiet lane heaven-bound:
In a world that knew not of doom and gloom?
Softly you spoke words of wisdom that were a delight
To hear and would forever guide us in years ahead.
Serene was your smile shining like a bright light
That showed the way to paths mystic and sacred.
You made us hear the voice of angels and in God's sight
Delight when the moon is not so full and bright.
All these sweet memories dwell in our innermost being:
We oft can hear your footsteps on the gravel
Years ago now but now as ever, our hearts throbbing
To the sound of your gentle voice, we still marvel
At the beauty of your spirit that loves to sing
Of exotic isles and of immortal birds on the wing!
Best of all are the memories of days gone by,
The seasons of serene solace, of surging tides
When life's best librations did not pass us by
And where Joy to this day perpetually abides.
For when sadness strikes and Destiny us divides
Where else can we turn if not to the days gone by?
Evenings of mirth and laughter, of wines fit for kings
Of perfumed gardens and orange-laden trees in the sun
By the fabled waters of the Guadalquivir that sings
To the heart and soul as no minstrel has ever done:
Of past conquests and the limitless folly of human beings
Who sailed to distant shores and came back undone.
Life is a candle that's lit only once by a passing fairy
Wise is he who keeps it aflame as long as can be
And whose eyes forever seeking the stars' distant light
Rest on the here and now and not on the morrow's plight
For who knows if we will ever see the sands of Murcia
Or the oft-dreamt-of Moorish heights of Andalucia?
Claudio Wye
February 98
