buckets full of memories

buckets full of memories
squeals of utter joy
sitting there under the tree
the perfect, perfect toy

buckets full of memories
laughter ringing out
time we spent together
the whole family is about

buckets full of memories
visitors from afar
let’s go to see the lights tonight
all jam into the car

buckets full of memories
oh no it is on fire!
throw it out into the snow
this meal has gone haywire

buckets full of memories
the gifts did not get wrapped
santa must have been busy
mom’s energy was sapped

buckets full of memories
the cookies are all iced
some may look a little strange
but some sure do look nice

buckets full of memories
that time of solitude
sitting quiet, all alone
no other to intrude

buckets full of memories
of times already passed
maybe turn them into stories
don’t keep them under glass

you might find those stories
illuminate more threads
let’s spill out all our buckets
let joy and laughter spread

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Thanks to my friend Cynthia and to my brother Kenny for turning their memories into stories, sharing them, and providing the inspiration for this piece. ❤️