“Lend me a memory,
A story of how it was
When everything changed.”

I smiled, closing my eyes
And delving deeply
Into my mind,

The radio takes me back
To a warm summer day,
Sun burnt to the core.

It’s an old song, a sad song
Cracking though the static
Of the radio and my mind.

A cold splash of water
Soothes my ruined skin
And makes my brother laugh.

That was the summer when
I conquered my fear,
And jumped the high dive.

With the loud splash, my body contorts.
I lie awake in bed
Listening to my mother cry.

The song plays softly,
Whispering kindly to her.
Her sickness hasn't stayed away.

The house is cold, making me shiver
In the early morning air.
The hospital should be warmer.

My father starts the radio,
The song crawling from the speakers.
“We’re almost there.”

The machines wail and scream,
Their lights flashing madly,
But my heart stands still.

A chorus of machines and nurses
Fills the room
Trying in vain.

An old song, a sad song
Plays softly in the hall
Soothing our tears and grief.

The church slowly empties with
Goodbyes and well-wishes echoing as
Life returns to normal.

“I’ll lend you my memory,
A story of how it was
When the music played
And the angels sang
On that cold December day…”