Memories of Life

This collection highlights a heartfelt poem about life's journey, hard work, and cherished memories.

Memories are the greatest treasure when a life has been so sweet

Short Poems & Quotes  |   Inspirational Poems  |   Poems About Memories  |   Memories of Life

Updated March 3, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

Life moves quickly—one moment we are full of energy, chasing dreams, and working hard, and before we know it, we find ourselves looking back, treasuring the memories we’ve made. This heartfelt poem by Greta Zwaan reminds us of the beauty of life’s journey—the strength of youth, the purpose found in hard work, and the lasting joy of cherished memories.

It speaks to the soul of those who have dedicated their lives to something they love, whether farming, family, or a lifelong passion. Though time may slow us down, the blessings we’ve experienced remain in our hearts, proving that a life well-lived is never forgotten.

Let this poem encourage you to embrace each day, appreciate the simple moments, and create memories that will one day become your greatest treasure.


Memories of Life

Poet: Greta Zwaan, © 1998

In a corner by the window with his memories' treasure store,
Sits a grandpa with a yearning to retrace life's steps once more.
For the years went by too quickly when his strength was at its prime,
And he didn't seem to value all his blessings at the time.

Youth to him displayed no ending, limitless was zest and zeal;
Vigorous were his daily conquests, work to him held great appeal.
E'er the sun rose to full glory or the birds awoke in song,
He had risen to his labours, yet the day seemed never long.

There was much to be accomplished and so many mouths to feed,
It took every waking moment to supply the family's need.
Yet the hours brought forth much pleasure as he tilled the ground each fall,
Ready for the early planting when once more he heard spring call.

Oh, the freshness of the morning when the dew lay on the soil
Brought to him tremendous pleasure, it was not considered toil.
To be straining every muscle as the team ploughed through the sod
Was a privilege he cherished, coming from the hand of God.

Through the planting and the haying and the sheaves of harvest grain,
Every year it was repeated, sometimes failure, sometimes gain.
Yet he never lost his interest, all his life was in his farm;
Nothing else had greater value, nothing else held forth more charm.

Through the years his body weakened, bit by bit his strength had gone,
And one day he could no longer rouse himself before the dawn.
So, with saddened heart he parted from the field, the horse, the plough,
And gave up his life of farming, far too strenuous for him now.

He packed up all his belongings that he'd need to live in town,
With the longings and desires that would never be put down.
Being physically unable did not change his heart's desire;
He had always been a farmer not a well-dressed country squire.

He would rather be in blue jeans with the soil beneath his feet,
Where he felt that life had meaning and his calling seemed complete.
Than to sit beside the window daily dreaming of the past,
Always wishing he was younger so his farming days might last.

But he knows time holds no preference and that strength with years grows weak,
Days of youth are not forever, yet the future is not bleak.
God has granted many blessings others never could enjoy:
To always be close to nature since he was a little boy.

Near to see His great creation, there to watch Him wake the sun;
Present as the birds were rousing, chirping music to each one.
There to see the autumn glory being painted on each tree,
Followed by the gleaming hoarfrost that the early risers see.

Very few folks have this privilege, with so vast a memory store,
Of a walk so close to nature for some sixty years or more.
Memories are the greatest treasure when a life has been so sweet,
And though time does not turn backward, memories' treasures are complete.


Key Messages from this poem:



Related Pages:


though time does not turn backward, memories' treasures are complete.

More Poems About Memories



Short Poems & Quotes    |     Poems    |     Quotes    |     Special Occasion Poems & Quotes    |     Contact Us    |     About Us