It happened to both of my grandmothers before they passed
My grandfathers I don’t recall since I was just a boy at the time
But from what little I can gather I believe it was the same story
I used to say this line of: if only we could be strangers again
There were many reasons why I could wish such things upon myself
I blame the naivety that I was going through at the time
But then I was finally able to meet you after decades of waiting
And you reminded me of the wonderful gift that I have
You reminded me of so many things which was incredible
Such as that one friend I made in 1st grade and in 8th
Or how I was too shy to dance and didn’t even go to prom
There was that time I learned to ride a bike at 24 years old
I couldn’t believe I took my 31st year off hiking every mountain
And of course I even recall my very first moments at home
But you also reminded me of something grim I once wanted
It’s not your fault at all just something I chose to ignore till now
I wanted to be strangers again but it was never with you
Rather it was to the rest of the world I wanted to start over with
They say that the greatest gift anyone can have is their memories
For if lost one day then we won’t even know who we are anymore
I was young and wanted to erase every memory I ever had
What I failed to realize back then was that my gift was cursed
And that one day that ill-fated wish would most certainly be true
I can recall names of random people from the past even as a child
There might be a certain clothing or catchphrase I can pinpoint
Numbers, dates, and the such was perhaps my only weakness
But events and moments shared were locked away safely in mind
I once thought I was invincible in that respect versus life
Yet as I see both my parents showing increasing signs of loss
I am reminded that they are following their parents’ footsteps
And more than likely one day my best gift will leave me as well
My younger self probably wouldn’t have cared as much
However now that I met you, it’s reminded me of what beauty it is
The pain it will be to slowly start to forget all the things we shared
Watching you as you start to take your first steps by yourself
Me holding your hand as I take you to your first day of school
You making new friends in high school and having a crush
Going off to college and going on to fall in love with someone
All that and more I will be able to see with you as you grow
I only wish I knew how long I would be able to hold on to those
Which is why I have begun to make the most of the time I have
And begun writing everything I have learned in my own life
To pass on to you for when you get older and need guidance
No matter what there will be times where I’m not around
But at least a part of me will carry on with you going forward
All my memories, experiences, and wisdom will be yours
When the time is right you will receive this bound leather
I pray it is before I could ever forget your eyes and smile
In the meantime I will continue to cherish you as you grow up
And who knows, should that tragic day ever turn up on my door
You might be able to bring me back, so that we’re strangers no more. . .
Novatourist 