with thanks to City and Islington College - Reminiscence classes

PICKING UP THE BROKEN PIECES OF MEMORY


Each Monday morning round the table
We pick up pieces from our past,
Some in order, others coming out
In broken lines, as we are able
To catch a glimpse, and make it last,
Of things that made us - without a doubt!

Our countries first, and they are scattered
Around the world from north to south.
All remembered with great affection
For youthful learning which has mattered
All our lives; now by word of mouth
And written tale, from that direction

We have come, through wars' sad, jagged gates,
Through poverty, through family cares,
Through hard-won work, to tell our stories,
And to look at how our sev'ral fates
Have brought us to London's core; life wears
Us out but cannot dim our glories.

We all look at one another now
With new eyes, at the lines of found
Connection, across continents and
Work, friendships and places, and how
Though individuals all, round
Us life's web has woven its strong band.

Anne Gilman 2000