The Colour of Your Memories

Day is long here at the start of the year
Summer birds are all in love with their lives
The flowers call to us as they swoon in the heat of the sun
Colours swirling in the ether 
While thoughts pool in your faraway eyes
Tell me, before the cotton clouds gather
And the clear light of your thought is smothered 
Tell me the colour of your memories 
Paint the air around us with any yesterday
Plant the seeds of your dreams in the garden where poetry is born
Embroider the quilts with every birthday, lavishly
Thread that one year into the tapestry cushions
Weave my grandmother’s smile into a lullaby
Sing it to me now, like the songs you taught me when I was a child
And l promise I’ll find a listening smile 
There are sundays to be made into lace curtains 
Friday afternoons to entwine with the sage and thyme
Before its gone into the fog please, tell me the colour 
Of the day you first saw his eyes
Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid 
I am strong enough to carry any shadow
I’m here, right by your side
Tell me, while the wind is gentle and the scent of life is still bright...
Was it raining, was the sky tumbling into the sea 
The day she went over the bridge
Leaving just you and me...
Please tell me and sew it extravagantly
Whisper if you need to...use the tiniest stitches 
Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid
Gather every morning and cast them all into the river
Wash them clean then bring them home
We can put them in our rooms, in places of honour
Decorate the world with your life
We are inside a castle of mirrors and tea sets
I’ll pour you a cup and stir in my childhood laughter
You can carry it with you, always...
Read my tea leaves and l’ll nurse those wishes that might never be
Those unclaimed parcels of you and me
Dont be afraid, l love you
Take all my prayers and wrap yourself tight
Safe safe you’ll sleep through the night
Take my hand, mama, the day is still young and you are not yet undone
We can sit outside and watch the remains of the light
While the world listens and gathers
With a mind beyond time
The world and l, holding tight
Remembering all your memories for you