Wondering

Memories that come,
Memories that go.
Wait beneath the sun
To remember and know.

Afraid to turn around
but yearning to accept.
Confusion compounds
While my heart be kept.

Ancient vows return
Past and present mix.
Water and fire churn
Tamed by soulful kiss.

Why didn't you come
When I was yet unbound?
Years searching done
For the flame unfound.

I hear the plaintive calls
That come in the night,
The hushed step that falls
Come the dark or light.

I want to return home
But duty says to stay.
Torn between the bones
That used to freely play.

You know my reservations,
Why I guarded I have stayed.
Far too many tempations
Too easy from the path to stray.

So much sacrifice
But I don't remember why.
What makes you pay this price
With a smile and a sigh?

What is this new thing
That comes stealing in the night?
What next in this ring
That triggers such a fight?

October 20, 2006
Amehana