Thanks for the memories
For sunrises, spectacular and refreshing
Feeling God’s creation, always fetching
Let me witness one more, very soon
Thanks for the memories
For teaching for forty years, now gone
Being retired, yet singing a new song
Each day feels precious and engaging
Thanks for the memories
For daughters special and sweet
Always making this heart tweet
You make me smile every day
Thanks for the memories
For travels across this vast land
Witnessing God’s creative hand
I look forward to seeing more
Thanks for the memories
For seeing grandchildren grow up
Their blessings overflow my cup
How truly marvelous they are
Thanks for the memories
For nights watching films from years ago
Classic stories and acting, tied in a bow
Enjoying movies and popcorn at home
Thanks for the memories
For finding love before growing old
God’s promises come true and bold
Never say never to His amazing grace
Thanks for the memories
For writing poetry and sometimes more
Allowing my new passion to fly and soar
Thankful for wonderful readers like you
This poem’s theme is inspired by Bob Hope, one of America’s greatest entertainers. He excelled in vaudeville, Broadway shows, radio, film, and television. He may be best known for the many shows he did for American troops overseas. In 1938, Hope and Shirley Ross performed the song “Thanks for the Memory” in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938.” Adapting lyrics in future years as needed, the song became Hope’s signature song whenever he performed. Here are a few lines from “Thanks for the Memory.” Enjoy!
Thanks for the memory
Of rainy afternoons, swingy Harlem tunes
Motor trips and burning lips and burning toast and prunes
How lovely it was
Thanks for the memory
Of candlelight and wine, castles on the Rhine
The Parthenon, and moments on the Hudson River line
How lovely it was
Many’s the time that we feasted
And many’s the time that we fasted
Oh well, it was swell while it lasted
We did have fun, and no harm done
So thanks for the memory
Of crap games on the floor, nights in Singapore
You might have been a headache, but you never were a bore
I thank you so much