Memory and Happiness

Why do I remember that hike up Rattlesnake
Or that time I crashed the sled?
Rappelling with Joey for the very first time
Or hiking to Devil’s Head?
Going to the store with Jordan
And watching him spew out his dinner?
Taking a ride in the beast of a ‘Burban?
Being the Courage Award winner?
Making a poem to Ford’s friend on the spot
Because she’d had a rough day?
Wandering aimlessly on a weekend
Trying to lose my way?
Why don’t I remember the day of the week
Or how I survived that test
Or what we did in science class
And made it through all the rest?
Why can’t I remember life before
I was stuck in my hospital room?
Trying to improve after surgery
Becoming numb to the maid’s vacuum?
I remember working up to three hundred sit-ups
And taking a ride in the plane.
But I can’t recall when my head was sealed
The stitches and staples that gave so much pain.
I have a dream that I’m free of all pain.
Nothing else has made me cry.
I’ll hold on to my dream for as long as it takes
To tell all my heartache goodbye.
I know why I remember certain things
And forget things that are bad for me.
The truth is that it keeps me alive
For I was meant to be happy.