0

FOR THE MEMORIES WE KEEP

Reflections on love, life and loss

By Joseph-Josue

1
 DEDICATION
To my loved ones, whose unwavering support and belief in me have fueled my passion for writing, this
book reflects the love, wisdom and strength we’ve shared.

And to the readers, thank you for taking the time to experience these moments with me. I hope that
within these pages, you find echoes of your own heart, memories and dreams.

To those who find beauty in the quiet moments,

Who seek light in the shadows,

And who carry love in their hearts,

This is for you.

To the dreamers, the fighters, and the lovers,

To those who hold on when life feels heavy,

To those who find beauty in the small moments,

And to those searching for light in the darkness—

This book is for you.

May these words remind you that your journey matters.

Your struggles are valid,

And your heart is never alone.

With all my love,

Joseph-Josue

2
For The Memories We Keep
Copyright © 2024 by Joseph-Josue. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or
mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the
case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial
uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of creative writing. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the
product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual
persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION 2
FOREWORD 5
LOVE AND ITS COMPLEXITIES 7
Silent Love, Unheard 8
Happily Ever After 9
Is it a crime to love? 10
Nature in Love 11
REFLECTIONS ON LIFE 13
If This Were Goodbye 14
Flames of Youth 15
A Quiet Arrival 16
There Has to Be More 17
SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH 19
Traveling a Lonely Path 20
Storms of Resolve 21
The Triumph of Perseverance 22
A Beacon in the Shadows 23
NOSTALGIA AND CHILDHOOD 24
Childhood Nostalgia 25
The Cry of the Inner Child 25
Rekindling the Inner Child 25
Being a Child Again 26
HOPE AND HEALING 28
Whispers of Gloom, Echoes of Light 29
Magic 30
A Song in the Dark: The Journey to Hope 31
Bonus Content: Creative Process and Inspiration 32
Inspiration Behind "There Has to Be More" 33
CLOSING REFLECTION 34
As this collection comes to a close, I want to leave you with this: 34
APPRECIATION 35
About the Author 36

4
 FOREWORD
When I first began writing, I didn’t set out to create a book. These pieces were fragments of my
soul, written in moments of joy, pain, reflection, and hope. They were my way of making sense
of the world around me—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

But as I wrote, I realized these words weren’t just mine. They echoed universal experiences: the
ache of unspoken love, the quiet strength of resilience, the fleeting beauty of memory. This
collection began to take shape, not as a compilation of poems but as a journey through the
emotions that make us human.

For the Memories We Keep is an ode to the moments that stay with us long after they’ve passed.
It’s for anyone who has loved deeply, grieved silently, fought bravely, or found solace in the
simple things. I hope these words will speak to you, resonate with you, and perhaps even remind
you that you’re not alone.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.

With love,

Joseph-Josue

5
 ‘Do not wait for inspiration or you will wait for ever.
Inspiration is a companion that will appear beside you on
certain stretches of the road. ‘One sits down first,’ ‘one thinks afterwards.’
- Jean Cocteau

6
 LOVE AND ITS COMPLEXITIES
Love: a force that heals, breaks, and transforms. These pieces explore its beauty and challenges.

“To love is to burn, to be on fire.” — Jane Austen

7
Silent Love, Unheard
The pain of rejection and sorrow from not being accepted,
So much love to give, yet it can only be hoarded.
Left to spoil because it doesn’t meet the world’s absurd standards.
A silent cry to be wanted by someone,
Songs within, hoping to be heard by the desired one,
But they fall on deaf ears, dissolving into thin air.
If only they could love themselves as they love the desired,
They’d see the fruitlessness of this mission they embark on.
Save your love for the one who truly deserves it,
And free yourself from the chains of unrequited affection,
For only then will your heart smile again,
In the hands of someone who truly cares

8
Reflections:
Unreciprocated love carries a silence that speaks volumes—a quiet ache that lingers in the heart.
This poem captures the futility of chasing validation from someone unable or unwilling to give
it. But it also offers a gentle reminder: love begins within. When we redirect our love inward, we
not only heal ourselves but prepare our hearts for someone who will cherish them fully.

Happily Ever After

I used to write about those fairytales,
Love that felt like a dream,
With rainbows, sunshine, and sparkles,
With the happy ever after.
But in those days, it was just a story.
A famous singer once said, "when you believe, somehow you will."
Those moments I had only ever dreamed about or written poems,
Had somehow become a reality.
From the first look, even if it wasn't the first,
She looked like an angel.
The light from within her illuminated my life,
Darkness bade farewell as she became my sunshine.
Picasso would roll in his grave for not capturing her smile,
And perhaps Dylan Thomas might have had something to write about her hair.
I waited long enough, and my ship finally came,
And now, we sail into the sunset with the banner written,
"Happily ever after."

9
Reflections:
The beauty of love lies not just in its beginning but in its unfolding. This poem captures the
magic of finding a love that feels like destiny—where dreams once written on paper become
reality. It’s a celebration of patience, hope, and the joy of finding someone who turns your
ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Is it a crime to love?
Is it a crime to love?
These were the words of the legendary Sade
A deep question that digs into the feeling of wanting another person more than life itself
Love that supersedes the heights of various architectural structures
Yearning for reciprocation from the ones our heart desire
Yet, love flourishes, breaking new ground into uncharted realms.
How does one become ensnared by this beautiful feeling?
How does the human desire to be free melt in the arms of this desire?
A slave to the dictates of the heart, governed by emotions beyond comprehension.
Is it a crime to love?
The sadness and absurdity of the self-imposed prison,
Struggling to breathe amidst conflicts with the beloved,
Or the nights the bed becomes a nest of nails due to a falling out
The pain of the sounds of a heart falling apart
The shattering of the pieces and the echoes as they fall to the ground.
Tears shed and sobbing of great agony.
Crippled and rendered useless all at the expense of love
On the other side of the stormy clouds
Two people skipping through a garden all smiles

10
A couple watching the sunset in the arms of each other
The joyful cries as another family welcomes a newborn,
Teens steal kisses, hearts fluttering.
One smiles in the darkness as their screen lights up with a text from their soulmate
Two sides of the same coins
Two cells in the same prison
The question reverberates within the halls:
Is it a crime to love?

Reflections:
Love is a paradox—it liberates and entangles, heals and wounds, brings joy and sorrow. This
piece reflects on love’s duality, asking deep questions about its nature and cost. It challenges
readers to sit with love’s complexity, accepting both its beauty and its burden.

Nature in Love
Recently, I’ve taken a keen interest in nature. Its splendor has often left me astonished.
Inhaling the air before I take flight at the end of the day and admiring the lilies at the nearby
pond
Today, I saw two trees in love. Their branches were intertwined like a couple holding hands.
As the winds grew stronger, a tender embrace began to form between them
Captivated, I watched as the fading sun shed its final light on the scene like a priest blessing a
newlywed couple.
On my shuffle, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” began to play, perfectly matching
the scene before me
As darkness started to set in, the flowers and shrubs surrounding the love trees appeared to be
stretching their hands like a bridal train would do for a couple
And the little birds were chirping away singing a lovely tune to cap off the ceremony
Then she put her hand in mine and leaned on my shoulder watching the trees dance in the
moonlight

11
At the climax, the birds flew into the night and the flowers closed for the day. However, some
things remained the same.
Two trees In love and below them, two hearts became one. Many are left to wonder where these
events took place and its just a single word.
Paradise.

Reflections:
Nature often mirrors the emotions we struggle to put into words. In this poem, love is painted
through the lens of intertwined trees, chirping birds, and fading sunlight. It’s a reminder that
love, much like nature, thrives in simplicity and thrives when left untamed.

12
 REFLECTIONS ON LIFE
Life is fleeting and unpredictable, a blend of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. This section
captures those moments that make us pause, reflect, and truly feel—reminding us of the beauty
and fragility of the journey we all share.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver

13
If This Were Goodbye
If you knew it was the last time you’d see them,
How tightly would you hug them?
How long would that call last?
Would you reminisce from dusk till dawn,
Sharing all your happiest memories?

Would you ignore the petty squabbles,

Take a drive down memory lane,
And let all grievances fade,
Smothering them with so many hugs?

Life happens, the future unseen,

We can predict but never be certain.
Treat your friends with love,
Hold onto precious memories,
Forgive, and strive for peace.

14
For one day, all that will be left are those memories.
Their smiles will only be seen in photos,
Their voices heard only in videos.
So cherish your loved ones,
As if it’s the last time you’ll see them.

For in the end, love is what remains.

Reflections:
Time is fleeting, and goodbyes are often unexpected. This piece serves as a heartfelt reminder to
cherish every moment with those we love. It urges us to live intentionally, forgive freely, and hold
our loved ones close because, in the end, love is all that remains.

Flames of Youth
The tenacity and wildfire of youth
A flame that could take down an entire nation
However, once extinguished, it can never be reignited
Priceless and sought after, one must be careful to guard it jealously
Else, it would be just another wasted potential, another sad song
While this fountain is still bubbling, we hope to reach the top of the mountain
And vanquish the foes that seek to bind us
Maintaining the mantra of doing it our way
Following the dreams to the strange paths they may take
To avoid the pain of a lifetime of regret and an autobiography of what-ifs
Toils and Trials will be aplenty; sorrows will be inevitable
But we must take them by the chin and say, there will be sadder songs
And in the creation of the symphony of our life

15
May we end it with a chest of treasures and no regrets
So when the evil days come and the fragility of the body and mind set in
We would smile and say,
Our sweet life’s refrain resounds in the echoes of our memories.

Reflections:
Youth is both a fire and a fleeting moment—a time of boundless energy and endless possibilities.
This poem encourages readers to embrace the fire of their youth, to pursue dreams fearlessly, and
to ensure their story ends with no regrets.

A Quiet Arrival
As the hot air coursed through my nostrils,
My mind, at last, unshackled its burdens.
The endless spirals ceased, unwinding,
And the trumpets of war fell into silence.

Eerie thoughts dissolved, swallowed by night,

Overthinking drifted, a wraith to the great unknown.
The stillness wrapped me, a tender shroud,
And in that fleeting, weightless pause, I wondered:

If this is what peace felt like.

Reflections:
Peace is often elusive in a chaotic world. This piece captures the stillness of a moment of calm—a
pause where the mind settles, and the soul finds rest. It’s a reminder to seek these moments,
cherish them, and allow them to rejuvenate our spirit.

16
There Has to Be More
No one told us our twenties would be this way.
In fact, no one told us anything.
All we heard were whispers:
Study hard. Be kind. Work hard.
No one warned us how heavy growing up would feel,
How the switch from adolescence to adulthood
Isn’t a step but a plunge—
A wool pulled over our eyes,
Revealing skies darker than we could have imagined.

The major tug of that wool comes

When we leave the sanctuary of university walls
And step into what they call “the real world.”
But they never told us about the loneliness.
The deep, unshakable sadness,
The slow erosion of friendships,
Or the haunting question:
“What am I actually doing?”

They never mentioned how directionless life can be.

How maps don’t exist—
And we are left with trembling hands
To sketch our own.
This isn’t the life they told us about.
The one painted in golden hues
Of certainty, joy, and seamless success.

Each day brings its quiet torment,

And one thought lingers in my mind:

17
There has to be more to life than this.

But perhaps the “more” isn’t found all at once.

Perhaps it lives in the cracks of our struggles—
In the laughter that breaks through our tears,
In the courage to rise despite the fall,
In the slow realization
That life isn’t meant to be a straight line,
But a journey of discovery,
One imperfect step at a time.

Reflections:
Adulthood often arrives with unmet expectations, quiet loneliness, and unanswered questions.
This poem reflects on the heaviness of finding one’s way in a world without maps. Yet, it also
offers hope: perhaps the “more” we seek isn’t a destination but the small moments of laughter,
resilience, and discovery we collect along the way.

18
 SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH
Life’s most significant growth often comes from its most challenging moments. This section
explores the solitary roads we walk, the storms we endure, and the strength we uncover along
the way. These poems are a testament to resilience and the beauty of self-discovery.

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.”- Ernest
Hemingway

19
Traveling a Lonely Path
Oftentimes, you must walk a lonely road for a vision only you can see.
Your loved ones who you expect to visit with cheers
Will shower you with discouragement instead.
“Impossible” becomes their constant refrain,
And “it won’t happen” echoes again and again.
Labels like “insane” and “a dreamer” will become your titles
And you will be left alone and in despair.
In times like that, do not let your spirit falter,
Let not your resolve be broken,
Instead, let challenges forge your will,
An anvil upon which your dreams distill.
An opportunity to drive you to the top of the mountain.
At the summit, you will be greeted by all those who doubted you.
Do not hold it against them,
They never saw the fire in your eyes.
But there will always be one who will travel the lonely road with you.

20
Together, you’ll soar to the top of the skies.

Reflections:
Walking alone is often the price of chasing a vision no one else can see. This poem reflects on
the isolation of pursuing dreams but also celebrates the quiet strength built along the way. It’s a
reminder that the journey, though lonely, leads to profound growth and purpose.

Storms of Resolve
On the rugged trail to greatness,
There would be stormy days,
Days that the sky would weep.
Cats and dogs will fall out of the skies.
The vision would become hazy
And our enemy within would plead with us
To give and find a place of comfort
In those moments
Remember why you began the journey
Let the dream come alive in your mind’s eye
See the accolades and the rewards
Relish in the glory and set your eyes on the sky
The stepping stone to heights you never knew you could reach
That’s what the dark days were created for
Not to break your resolve or dampen your spirits,
But sharpening the iron is your will.
On those days, remember these words
“Dark days forge your will,
Preparing for your glorious destiny.”

21
Reflections:
Adversity isn’t meant to break us but to refine us. This poem paints challenges as necessary
storms—moments that sharpen our will and prepare us for the victories ahead. It reminds readers
to hold on through the storms because they often precede the clearest skies.

The Triumph of Perseverance

Imaginations of the end, the day you lay ahold of the crown you long sought after.
How would it feel?
All the toil, sweat, and tears are now reaping its glorious reward. Wouldn’t it be an unforgettable
feeling?
All the moments we felt like giving in when the waters got too high, and we felt we would
drown.
The storms we rode through, some that nearly capsized our boats.
Yet we made it through.
Some of those days, we couldn’t see past the fog, and it seemed like our compass was misleading
us,
But these were just the tales of the journey.
The victory is always sweeter the harder the fight,
And the trails make for a better story.
Keep your head when the road gets tough.
For ahead of the rough hill country
A beautiful paradise waiting for you.

Reflections:
Perseverance isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about enduring it. This poem captures the
sweetness of victory after a long and challenging journey. It’s a testament to the power of
resilience and the beauty of reaching the summit after walking through the valley.

22
A Beacon in the Shadows
Whenever I falter,
I'm reminded why my light must not fade.
Perhaps it will illuminate the path
For those lost in the shadows,
Guide them through icy waters,
And be the words that set them free,
Breaking chains that bind them.
For this reason, I find new strength,
Letting my light shine brightly,
Banishing thoughts of surrender,
Quietening my mind,
Letting my heart take the lead.

-A reminder for those about to give up

Reflections:
Even in our weakest moments, our light can guide others. This poem speaks to the importance
of resilience—not just for ourselves, but for those who might be following our path. It’s a
reminder that our struggles can serve as beacons for others navigating their darkness.

23
 NOSTALGIA AND CHILDHOOD
There’s a magic in childhood that never truly fades. These poems reflect youth's wonder, joy, and
innocence, reminding us that reconnecting with our inner child can bring light and vitality to
our adult lives.

“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and
forever explaining things to them.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

24
Childhood Nostalgia
The Cry of the Inner Child
Daily keeping my inner child alive
One of the few ways to survive the chaos of the rough outbacks of life
Constantly lighting that match of excitement
The fearlessness of our long-lost infant self
Needed when the waves of life seek to cover us
Inward power to ride into the eye of the storm
Daring life to do its worst.
For you know whatever it is, the will to live will always prevail.
When the evening shadows fall, and the darkness stretches our resolve.
Our inner child cries to us
“Keep my spirit alive “

Reflections:
The inner child within us carries a voice—a voice often silenced by adulthood’s demands. This
poem speaks to the importance of keeping that voice alive, embracing wonder, and allowing
ourselves to feel excitement, even in life’s chaos.

Rekindling the Inner Child

What excites You? What brings out the inner child that smiles at every little occurrence?
What makes us giddy and glow like a new star?
Is it the joy of a dream item purchased? Or could it be the love of a sports team?
And to some, it may be the wonders of nature. The little flowers that grow through the asphalt?
Or the tiny monkeys swinging from vine to vine?
As the years away from our childhood increase, we get lost in the jungles of adulthood.
And our once excited demeanor is devoured by a daily scowl.
The little joys of life have sailed into the sunset and are no more

25
Slowly we slide into a world of uptight and unhappy people and we are no longer living; just
alive.
To reignite the flame of true living, we must discover our inner child and embrace the little
pleasures that once made our heart skip like a young wild roe;
A little rainbow, a birthday story and the smell of flowers.
With shut eyes, we revisit the places that we used to know.
Opening a pathway to paradise
And once we pass its borders,
We may never return.

Reflections:
Somewhere along the way, we trade excitement for routine, wonder for responsibility. This poem
challenges us to reclaim those small, joyful moments that once made our hearts race. It’s a call to
revisit the beauty in the ordinary and let ourselves be children again, even if just for a moment.

Being a Child Again

What makes you feel alive?
What triggers the wells of joy inside you?
What makes your inner child excited again?
The smell of ice cream drifting upward into our nose
Painting memories of a happy kid running through the store
No care in the world yet with a full heart.
Not full of worries and anxiety
But pure joy that cannot be faked
Where did all that excitement go?
Did the order of the classroom blow our childhood lights out?
Or was it inevitable with age?
But I say, where does the random bust of excitement spring from?

26
Is it buried within the rubble of broken childhood dreams?
Did we push it down ourselves with the phrase “ you have to grow up”
What is life without passion and that ability to let go like a child
Bring back the joys of childhood so we can truly live again.
Bring back those happy days.

Today, I wished I was an artist. It crosses my mind when I see things of beauty and wish to
capture them on a canvas with my own hands. Other times, it is the longing for the gift of
photography to keep those images in memory, and it is also the work of my own hands.

I saw a baby smile today. Toothless but beautiful nonetheless

Chubby cheeks glowing like soft peaches
Tiny fingers reaching out, ready to grasp its new-found treasure
Its innocence is perfectly projected and enthusiasm for life is openly displayed
Words of hope sprang up from that action
Remembering there was once a time when fairytales ruled our hearts
Impossibility was alien and the sky was a field for our pleasure.
A voice screams within drawing all attention to itself
Bring back those happy days.

Reflections:
What if we allowed ourselves to see life through a child’s eyes again? This piece captures the
purity of childhood joy, the thrill of simple pleasures, and the freedom to feel deeply without
inhibition. It reminds us that true happiness often lies in the smallest of moments.

27
 HOPE AND HEALING
Even in the darkest moments, hope has a way of breaking through. This section explores the
journey from despair to renewal, capturing the quiet strength that leads us back to light, joy, and
peace.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

28
Whispers of Gloom, Echoes of Light
There are good days and bad days
Dark days and sunny days
Lately, it seems most days are gloomy.
The sun has run away and the dark clouds are back in town
The taste of ashes in one’s mouth
The sound of silence with pain piercing through
Shadows dance where hope once lay
The wind whispers forgotten songs of joy
How we long for the days of gladness
Where sorrows flee into the abyss
Tears exist no longer, and all pain fades away
Happiness will run through the skies at the breaking of the day
In unison, we will all quote the infamous words
“Oh happy day.”

29
Reflections:
Dark days will come, but so will light. This poem contrasts the heaviness of sorrow with the
inevitability of joy returning. It’s a quiet reminder that every shadow is followed by dawn, and
hope always finds a way through.

Magic
Nay-sayers proclaim that magic isn’t real
But could they be any more wrong?
Or do they have a wrong perception of the term?
Magic lives all around us
But we all have this huge expectation of it
We look for the spectacular and the moments that leave us in awe
However , magic is mostly in the simple
Two people fall in love and create a new life
The cries of the newborn changing the lives of the parents forever
What isn’t magical about that?
The colorful fishes of the sea, moving around in their schools
At first sight, it’s hard to believe what the eyes just captured
Magic in nature
A machine carrying a multitude, Soaring into the clouds and bringing them in a new location
Magic made by man
Magic is not all about the aww but rather the experiences
A man looks out the window and sees a woman
Instantly, his heart leaps, and his mind is fixated
And in due time they experience a feeling that the great poets haven’t been able to fully capture
Magic in you
Do you still doubt now?
Magic is in every one of us and all around us
Just open your eyes and view the magic all around you.

30
Reflections:
Magic isn’t always grand or extraordinary—it’s often hidden in life’s simplest moments. This
poem challenges readers to redefine their idea of magic, finding it in fleeting glances, shared
smiles, and the beauty surrounding us daily.

A Song in the Dark: The Journey to Hope

A River of sorrow flows through my heart
A sour stream broke forth from the tip of lips
The sun shone without, but darkness reigned in my halls
Pain had imprisoned me, and in my heart, a quiet song
It’s melodies were deep and soulful
And the sounds thereof made one wail
How long will I suffer loss? And when will tunes of despair stop ringing on my members' vinyl?
When the edge of the cliff came into view ,a vessel of hope blared in the horizon
But just as I thought I’d drown in the bitter stream,
A gentle breeze of hope whispered across my soul.
Slowly, the sorrowful song gave way to a new melody
One that promised healing, no matter how long the night
With each passing moment, the light grew stronger, chasing away the darkness in my halls
And I knew, deep within, that this too shall pass.
In the end, hope is all we have
A quiet force that breaks our chains,
Leading us from the depths of despair to the open fields of light.

31
Reflections:
Darkness has a way of amplifying our pain, but even the deepest sorrow carries a quiet song—a
promise of hope waiting to be heard. This poem portrays the journey from despair to healing,
showing how even a flicker of hope can illuminate the darkest paths.

32
Bonus Content: Creative Process and Inspiration
The Creative Process:
My writing process has always been intuitive. I don’t sit down with a specific theme or
structure—most of my poems start with a single line or emotion that demands exploration.
Sometimes, it’s a memory; other times, it’s a fleeting thought I scribble down on the go.

I revisit these fragments later, weaving them into something fuller. Some pieces come to life in
minutes, while others take days or even weeks to shape into what they’re meant to be. Writing
for me is not just about creating; it’s about uncovering. Each word is a step toward
understanding something deeper about myself or the world around me.

But beyond self-exploration, my greatest hope is for readers to feel. I want these words to stir
emotions, awaken memories, and create moments of connection. Whether it’s a shared ache, a
fleeting joy, or a quiet moment of reflection, my goal is to make you pause and feel something
real.

Every poem is an offering—a piece of my heart extended to you. And if even one line resonates,
then every moment spent writing has been worth it.

Inspiration Behind the Pieces:

"Silent Love, Unheard" - This was inspired by a friend’s story of unreciprocated affection. Their
vulnerability stayed with me, and I wanted to write something that validated their feelings while
offering hope.

● "If This Were Goodbye"—This came from reflecting on the fragility of life and how often
we take time with loved ones for granted. It’s a call to cherish the now.
● "Traveling a Lonely Path" - A deeply personal piece about moments when I felt alone
pursuing my vision. It reminds me and others to keep going, even when no one seems to
understand.

33
 ● "Childhood Nostalgia" - Revisiting my childhood memories—simpler times full of
wonder—helped me write this. It’s a love letter to the innocence and magic we often lose
as adults.

Inspiration Behind "There Has to Be More"

The inspiration for this piece came from personal reflections and conversations with friends
about the challenges of early adulthood. I realized how often we romanticize growing up,
imagining it as a linear path to success and happiness. But the reality is far messier—a mix of
confusion, self-doubt, and resilience.

This poem was written during a moment of deep introspection, as I grappled with the feeling of
being untethered in a world that expects so much while offering so little guidance. It’s a piece for
anyone who has felt lost in their twenties, questioning their choices and wondering if there’s
more to life than the daily grind.

Through this poem, I wanted to validate those emotions while also reminding myself—and
others—that the “more” we seek isn’t found in instant answers or accomplishments but in the
quiet moments of growth, connection, and self-discovery.

Every piece in this collection has a story. Some were born from personal experiences, others
from observing the world around me. But all of them are, in some way, a reflection of the human
heart.

34
 CLOSING REFLECTION
As this collection comes to a close, I want to leave you with this:

Life is a mix of love, loss, joy, and struggle—a journey that’s as unpredictable as it is beautiful.
Through these pieces, I’ve tried to capture the quiet moments that define us, the loud ones that
shape us, and the in-between spaces where we simply exist.

These aren’t just poems or reflections; they’re glimpses of the shared human experience. They’re
a reminder that, even in our loneliest moments, we’re never truly alone. Love connects us,
memories ground us, and hope keeps us moving forward.

As you finish this book, my hope is that it leaves you feeling connected—to yourself, to the people
around you, and to the beauty that can still be found in life’s chaos. I hope it inspires you to hold
onto your memories, let your light shine, and never stop looking for the magic in the everyday.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I hope these words find a special place in your
heart, just as they came from mine.

With gratitude,
Joseph-Josue

35
 APPRECIATION
First and foremost, I want to thank God for the gift of words—for allowing me to weave
emotions, memories, and reflections into something I can share with the world. Without His
grace and guidance, this book would not have been possible.

To my sisters, Daniella and Phebe, thank you for your unwavering support and for your pivotal
roles in bringing this book to life. Daniella, your work on the cover brought this vision to life,
and Phebe, your creativity in crafting the social media content helped share this story with the
world. Your contributions mean more than words can express.

Elizabeth, you’ve been more than an editor; you’ve been a friend and a collaborator. Thank you
for guiding my thoughts, shaping my words, and helping me refine this collection into
something greater. Your patience and insight were invaluable; without you, this book wouldn’t
exist in its current form.

To my cousin Jason, thank you for mentoring me throughout this journey and teaching me what
it means to truly embrace my voice as a writer. Your wisdom and encouragement have been a
guiding light. To Michael and Jonathan, thank you for helping me improve my craft—you’ve
played a significant role in my growth as a writer.

Kelechi, your constant encouragement and belief in me have been a lifeline, especially on the
hardest days. Your support means the world to me. To Ekene, Ginika, Pikuda, Daniel, Sharon,
Jared, Anjie, Naomi, Olamilekan, and Brume—your appreciation for my writing and your
unwavering support have carried me forward. Thank you for always cheering me on. To
Kenneth for helping me with the websites to post the book.

To my Medium subscribers and everyone who has followed my writing journey, thank you for
your readership, thoughtful comments, and making this journey so fulfilling and inspiring.

Finally, to you, the reader of this book, thank you for opening these pages and allowing my
words to touch your heart. Your presence completes this journey.

“Love ties us together. Memories anchor us. Hope carries us forward.”

May these words stay with you as you carry on your journey.

With gratitude,
Joseph-Josué

36
About the Author
Joseph-Josué is a writer passionate about capturing the beauty,
complexity, and rawness of human experiences. From a young age,
he has been drawn to the art of storytelling, crafting countless pieces
that explore universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope.

Currently working as a writer for a marketing and brand-growth

firm, Joseph-Josué balances his professional pursuits with a deeply
personal creative outlet. Through his poetry, he creates a space
where emotions are embraced, struggles are shared, and moments of
connection are celebrated. His words pay tribute to life’s quiet battles, fleeting joys, and the
enduring hope that carries us through even the darkest times.

Joseph-Josué’s ultimate writing goal is simple and profound: to make people feel. With every
piece, he seeks to awaken emotions, foster connection, and remind readers of the transformative
power of words to heal, comfort, and inspire.

His debut poetry collection, For the Memories We Keep, is a labor of love—crafted to inspire,
uplift, and remind readers of the light that shines within life’s storms.

When he’s not writing, Joseph-Josué enjoys watching football, immersing himself in movies,
and reading history and motivational books. He also shares his personal writings on Medium,
where his thoughtful reflections continue to resonate with readers around the world. You can
explore more of his writings on his medium page at josephjosue.medium.com

37