To memories we may remember

loving teaches the giver to give all
and the receiver to take as they’d give
not too much, not too little, not too small
but as the giver may seek to receive

i remember the first kiss and caress
i found love but lost my mind and pulse
the first portrait was right inside her dress
that’s why the painter painted on impulse

knees bent as if to confirm a prayer
everyone bowing down to get ahead
there was nothing missing, nothing to spare
for we were alive as if we were dead.

i recall this memory, all of it
what’s hard is remembering to admit

leonell echa