Brighter Than Money

What is brighter than money?

Is it the sweet taste of a nut

Fallen from an old Black Walnut tree?

It’s not the brightness of money that holds one

As roots, firm and strong, anchor the tree.

It’s the memories and desire to stay planted.

It is the weariness of starting over, the

Overwhelming dread of being uprooted.

It’s the yearning for sameness, routine, familiarity.

As a teenager holding on to a favorite toy

Wants time to stand still,

Wants to be a child again,

We resist change in our lives

Holding tight to the past

With memories brighter than money.

Naida Lavon

Write Around Portland Workshop

03-31-09

Prompt: Poet Mary Oliver wrote about “something brighter than money" ....”