Stop.

Listen.

I demand your attention.

Stop!

I command you to listen.

Listen...

Shh...

Hear their tears

Of joy,

Of fear,

Of hurt they've held for years and years.

And years and years keep going,

Passing,

Leaving,

Running,

Chasing...

Stop!

Don't leave;

Listen.

Hear their footsteps,

Going,

Passing,

Grab them.

Stop.

Stop those years from going,

Passing,

Always leaving.

Stop

And listen

And hold onto the fears,

Smiles,

Tears.

Hold the memories

Hug them

Hold them

Love them like you do your dreams,

Dreams of now and dreams of years

Passed...

Passing.

Hold them.

Stop them.

Stop the years.

Love them.

Stop them and cherish them

So that when they're gone,

You can stop

And listen

And hear them:

The years gone by.

You still have their attention,

Their love,

Their memories.

Now stop.

Listen...

Shh...

And let go.