We do not remember days; we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese, Italian poet and novelist
Dog-eared photographs,
Awards and certificates.
Remnants of my past.
Movie stubs, medals,
Report cards and recipes.
Moved across country.
Stuffed animal friends,
T-shirts, toys, and some trinkets
Preserved, so I thought.
Snatched from my clutches
By a cadre of critters.
Can’t steal my memories.
Note: This is a series of Haiku. On a personal note, the nasty shed has been hauled off (along with the pesky interlopers) and once again, Dallas is master over his yard. Now, to research what I can plant in its place next spring, keeping in mind the site gets only morning sun — any suggestions?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
“Can’t steal my memories.”
You said it, Debbie! I totally agree with you because our memories are not contained within those objects. Our memories are contained (and remain forever) in our hearts.
I went through this a year and a half ago when I was planning on moving to NYC. I let go of so many objects that I had been holding onto for years, that were just cluttering up my space. It was such a freeing feeling when I let them go, because I actually felt lighter.
Wonderful Haiku, my friend! Well done!
Have a great week!
X to you and Dallas
P.S wish I could offer you a suggestion about plants, however, I was not gifted with a “green thumb.”
You know, Ron, this was probably a blessing in disguise. Now I don’t have to linger over what to keep and what to throw away. It’s all gone! Yes, I managed to save a few things before we had the shed hauled off, but periodically, I remember something that wasn’t saved … and I wish it had been. Oh well, as you said, it’s just “stuff”!
I’m glad you enjoyed the Haiku. Enjoy the week ahead — you’re going to get some of the snow we’re sending your way, right?!? xx
Sorry about your stuff but it is a good Haiku. Good thing we can remember.
Thank you, John. There are things I wish I’d saved, but honestly, it’s probably better they’re gone. This way, poor Domer won’t have to go through them all when I’m no longer here, ha!
One way to look at it. 😀
Ah, yes, the physical stuff is just stuff – it’s the memories that count! No tips from me for the planting – I fear I haven’t a clue about gardening, but I hope you find the perfect thing!
Thanks, FF. I’ve been doing some research, but I haven’t been too enamored of the results. Even if I go with veggies, I’d be stuck with the likes of kale and cabbage … yuck!
Your experience is much like that of a flood, fire, or hurricane survivor. When nature decides to move in and sweep things clean, there’s nothing to be done about it. After Tropical Storm Allison, when there was four feet of water in the house, I remember valiant efforts to dry out books, photos, and so on. Little by little, it all got tossed. There just wasn’t any saving it — better to bid it adieu and move on.
Of course, my recent downsizing demanded a lot of decluttering, too! A LOT! Even after I got moved in, I discovered I hadn’t done quite enough, and got rid of a couple of chairs, a cabinet, and so on. Now, I look around, see that everything fits, and hardly can remember what I got rid of. Letting go of some of the memories isn’t so bad, either. It makes room for what’s to come.
I just noticed you said that spot only gets morning sunlight. There may not be enough light there for the knockout roses. Get in touch with your local Master Naturalist chapter or the County Extension Agent. Ours have lists of good plants for various conditions — I’ll bet they could give you some good advice.
Yes, I recall our knockout roses had a LOT of sun … and seemed to enjoy it. Good idea, contacting an expert. Perhaps one of the many nurseries will have some advice, too. I understand I could plant azaleas or hydrangeas, but I’m not sure I want to do that. A tiered garden of sorts would be lovely, but that’s way more work than I want to expend, ha!
You’re right about the storm survivor mentality. It’s probably best not to linger on what’s gone but to be grateful for what remains. As it is, most of us have far too much stuff — ask any adult “child” who’s had to dispose of an elderly parent’s “treasures”!!
I’ve been through that “deal with Mom’s stuff” (and some of Dad’s, too) and it’s a fact: you never know why much of that was kept. I kept some of Mom’s things after she died — furniture, even — and most of that finally went away when I moved this time. I didn’t keep it because I liked it, but only bcause it was Mom’s. It finally was time to pass it along to someone who could use it, and who liked it — and who had the space for it!