The Greatest Things We've Lost

After years of memories buried

For the sake of peace of mind, 

You may one day see a young girl 

Seated across from you on a public bus. 

With her little blonde head 

Situated with perfect comfort 

In a father’s still lap. 

She may be licking fingers adorned with bitten nails, 

Hoping for every last pleasure 

That the crumbs of an afternoon pain au chocolat bring. 

And you may suddenly remember 

Something you hadn’t realized you’d misplaced

And feel oh so far, 

And oh so forgotten. 

But know this:

It was never a betrayal of that little girl 

To let her reside in a mind unblemished 

By silent footsteps ever alert to a familiar tone. 

And though no child should have to let go of the good 

In order to thwart the bad, 

It is better still for parts to be left behind 

Than to never have gotten out at all. 

So on those special days, 

When you hear a song 

You once danced to in the kitchen together,

Or spot the model of car 

You used to beg shotgun of, 

Wipe the tear falling quietly down your cheek 

And let go of the heart heavied 

With the guilt of going 

For it was always survival, never selfishness.