That's How I Remember It

They say, we live as long as we're remembered

but time has a way of rewriting every line

Every mistake and win we had, is tethered

when mapping out the story of our lives

We hold on to the past like it's a life line

a map that reassures us, we'll be fine

But the ones that hurt us most, we erase or redefine

so the memories we keep, become benign

I suppose it's just a form of preservation

keeping held at bay, the ugly truths

The good and bad get mingled in translation

keeping intact the memory of our youth