when we remember
what the times have been
that made us into what
and who
we are today
we travel deep into our past
to hear our mother’s voice
our father’s not so friendly gripes
when we fouled up a task he gave to us
our friends, our teachers, our loves
whose interactions shaped
who we eventually have become
while we believe that we have always been
so independent and autonomous
it may be worth a moment to reflect
upon the influences
we are inclined to casually neglect
and recognize the fact
that we are always part
of that great whole
which we so desperately try
to disavow for individuality
only to recognize a few years later
the minimal common denominator
life is a wonderful excursion into space and time
always surprising, turning on a dime,
leaving us puzzled well unto the end
always intent to look beyond
the next bend of the river …….