Lining of My Heart

             Inside the lining of my heart,
             hidden away safe and deep
             are the memories I hold dear.
             Alone and all mine to share or keep secret.

             Thoughts, visions, and echoes all wrapped dear,
             lie the friendly glances, the warm smiles
             and knowing looks I've kept to remember.
             I've hidden the pain and covered the tears
             with laughter, hope and never-ending faith.
             Forgotten and yet easily remembered,
             Open and yet quickly closed,
             all remain in the lining of my heart.

             On cloudy blue days they stand at attention
             awaiting their call. They'll come fast or slow;
             some will meld together into one. Some are happy
             and some are sad, but all are intertwined with the
             common thread found inside the lining of my heart.

             -Poem by Leslie Anne Richards