If I could rewrite history, (or herstory)
would I?
So many poor choices,
flailings and fumblings,
so many ways I was less than
I could or might have been,
so many ways that I fell short.
And yet, also, so many ways
my spirit rose, times I was brave,
determined, did not give up.
So many ways I did the best I could,
though it always could have been more.
Always, I followed my heart.
I never gave up on my dream.
Looking back, I see a long and
unexpected adventure, how I was helped
and guided by all the gods and angels
who assist me still.
I could have done it better.
But I did not do it worse.
I have to hope it all evens out in the end,
this amazing thing called life that,
while it did not bring us the dreams
that we once dreamed,
still took us farther than we ever
could have foreseen.
for Susan's prompt at What's Going On: Rewriting History. If only we could.
I could have done it better.
ReplyDeleteBut I did not do it worse. - this resonates so deeply.. it is what I feel too when I look back...look where I started and look where I am. Thank you for these lines this morning, Sherry.
I love the calmness and steadiness of this flow of words, Sherry, making everything look so pretty, even the hard experiences. You do inspire. "Always, I followed my heart. / I never gave up on my dream." A beautiful takeaway from the poem.
ReplyDelete"Looking back, I see a long and
ReplyDeleteunexpected adventure, how I was helped
and guided by all the gods and angels
who assist me still."
Would I rewrite? I gather the answer is no. Accepting the bad with the good, doing the best you could! I could apply this to a country or to myself. An important piece, Sherry!
Being able to carry ourselves forwards is the most precious gift. I am glad your herstory seems to have evolved into a well-earned peacefulness - Jae
ReplyDeletewhile it did not bring us the dreams
ReplyDeletethat we once dreamed,
still took us farther than we ever
could have foreseen.
Great closing Sherry! Life is fair to everyone and complementing our efforts
naturally for the better. That is true!
Hank
Your fans are the beneficiaries of poems that go way, way deep into your psyche, Sherry! Brava.
ReplyDeleteWonderful ending on this, Sherry. You spoke from the heart.
ReplyDelete