/memory/

In my mind Memory holds court,
Crowing Nostalgia its queen
And me as the jester— it does what it pleases,
Imposing its will on me when it wishes.
In the end, though, it's quiet Nostalgia who will break me
Knowing just which days from my past to resurrect
And re-introduce me to. It leaves me
Near tears for longing
Longing for the past even when I know it's long gone; longing
For friendships I've forgotten,
Places I've missed— and when I finally crumple,
I know it will be from some
Inexplicable warmth from long ago.