The Past

They tell me
Don't live in the past
Don't glory in the past
Forget the past and move on
Don't live the present in the past

But how? I say
When like strings, the past pulls
When its memories away won't go
When its pains still so much hurt
When its scars so deep are
When the thoughts, those of the past are
When the past the present begot

How do i forget?
When a smile
A name
A tilt of the head
The loud crack of laughter
All bring back the memories
That i must forget

How do i learn
To forget what the present begot
Tell me (Nov.5, '99)