Instructions for Building a Memory

Step 1: Begin with raw materials —
one moment of ordinary time,
several ounces of emotion
(preferably unfiltered),
a handful of sensory details.

Step 2: Layer carefully
sound upon sight upon scent:
coffee steam rising,
keys jingling in pockets,
sunlight catching dust motes
in grandmother’s kitchen.

Step 3: Add context sparingly
like salt to soup —
just enough to enhance,
not enough to overwhelm
the natural flavors of now.

Step 4: Allow feelings to settle
into the corners of the scene.
Note: Some spillage may occur
when handling joy or grief.
This is normal. Continue.

Step 5: Preserve atmospheric conditions —
the weight of August air,
the angle of afternoon light,
the texture of silence
between spoken words.

Step 6: Document imperfections
(these will become essential later):
the coffee stain on his sleeve,
her crooked lipstick,
the clock that ran three minutes slow.

Step 7: Seal tightly
with details that seem trivial:
the pattern on the curtains,
a fly buzzing against glass,
the way your hands trembled
though you weren’t cold.

Warning: Memory is unstable.
Each retrieval will alter
its chemical composition.
Accept that what you build
will never be exactly
what happened.

Final Step: Release into time.
Let it age like wine
or photographs left in sun —
some parts will fade,
others will deepen,
all will transform.

[Note: Manufacturer not responsible
for unexpected emotional residue
or spontaneous nostalgia.
Handle with care.
Contents under pressure.
May expand or contract
with passing years.]