I remember when

Winter snowfalls, building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate from a mug

Going to the city, seeing cousins, celebrations with libations poured from a jug

Holiday magic, created in my past by traditions that were passed again and again

Somewhere along the way, things turned, and traditions burned, but I remember when

Spring cleaning, empty the closets and the drawers, what was your older brothers is now yours

Everyone pitching in, welcome summer once more, nobody liked them, but everyone did their chores

Mom made Kool Aid stored in glass jars, and ham salad sandwiches, packed in our cars, summer again

Picnics with family, another trend sadly dwindled to something you rarely see, but I remember when

I remember when all those things happened as if there were a format

When everyone showed up, stomped their feet out on your doormat

I remember when we shared everything until it could no longer be shared

When getting the most out of every penny was the way to show you cared

I remember when, but I can’t remember hearing my mom ever ask

I felt compelled like my brothers and sisters to help shoulder the task

I remember when, and I wonder how we messed up a system that worked well for years

We can’t blame everybody else and sit back and allow the media to play upon our fears

Cause I remember when my mom would take accountability for every move I made

Long past our youth gave us all she could a little sunshine while she rests in the shade

Yeah, I remember when and then I check myself, and try to learn from what I say

Cause preachin’ is easy; it’s one thing to talk about it, but another to live that way

I remember when, I think you probably do too; I think I know how to get back

I’m going to love everyone, and not keep it a secret, I think we’ll get back on track

Tim Windisch

12/28/2021