I Thought I Had Forgotten You

I thought I had forgotten you
memories packed away neatly in the attic
forgetting all that you meant to me in youthful carefree times
photos and memories 
accumulating dust over the years

I thought I'd rediscover them one day
when I need a good laugh
or a good cry
but never got around to it

I thought I had forgotten you
but as I walked down the street one afternoon
hearing a familiar sound
quickly turning 
secretly hoping it was you
temporarily forgetting for just a second
I had left you in the attic

I thought I had forgotten you
but tonight
as I rediscover youthful laughter
and in remembering your embrace
rediscovering long lost tears

I will never again forget to remember you
nor will I ever again leave you in the attic
to accumulate dust

there will always be
a prominent place for you on the mantle place of my heart
and I'll diligently
daily watch
so that the dust never again
accumulates