Forgetting and Remembering

For days I kept it in my heart-

I knew it…

word for word

image for image

feeling for feeling.

I could call it to memory-

to experience again and again

with excruciating pain.

So I would not forget-

I remembered with vivid clarity

the ravaging of my soul.

For days I don’t remember-

words disappearing

images blurred

feelings unreachable.

I call it to memory no more-

to experience again and again

with excruciating pain.

Still, I remember.

I remember as a mother remembers

the birth of her children.

So shall I remember

-for the rest of my days-

the ravaging of my soul.

In not forgetting the event-

wisdom is gained

mercy is obtained

and I can be thankful

for my rebirth.

-Jeong-Eui 11/03