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Retrospection (A Poem to my Childhood Self)

Submitted by Rosewood Apothecary on Sun, 2022-10-02 09:10

Paradoxical it seems
To write a letter to myself
My virile younger version’s dreams
Prematurely put to shelf

Carefully I’d choose my words
So as not to steer astray
Failures that once seemed absurd
Made me who I am today

Of course, you’ll never lose them all
In retrospect you’re way ahead
With victories, you will stand tall
A heart in hand consoles the head

So…I’d advise, just do your thing
Lessons learned from lesser years
Take your drugs and dance and sing
Do ALL the things that got us here

Style / type:

Structured: Western

Review Request (Intensity):

I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Review Request (Direction):

What did you think of my title?

Last few words:

I’d just tell that young man to carry on. If changing anything deviated my fate to somewhere other than where I’m at at now I’d advise against changing anything.

Editing stage:

Editing - polished draft

Contest:

A Poem To Your Childhood Self

Content level:

Not Explicit Content

Comments

Geezer

Sun, 2022-10-02 10:57

I agree...

with much of what you've said, however, I think that I would have counseled my younger self to be a little kinder in some respects. I was not always the nicer guy that I am today. There are mistakes that I made that most likely would have changed where I am today, but I don't think that certain instances would have changed my life all that much, and yet might have meant a great deal to some. Anyway, I do agree that what and where you are today was brokered by what you did in years gone by. Good work! ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Rosewood Apothecary

Sun, 2022-10-02 19:08

Kinder

Well we could always be kinder, truer words don’t exist, but you can’t learn that without hurting people and some never do learn it at all. I’m glad you came around though, I’m pretty fond of your commentary and depth.

Tim

author comment

Geezer

Mon, 2022-10-03 12:30

Thank you...

Sometimes, I have to caution myself that my comments should be more about the poet and his/her work and not a remembrance of a situation or happening of my own, after all; it's supposed to be about the poet, not me, so I am glad that you look forward to my commentary. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Lavender

Mon, 2022-10-03 16:27

Retrospection

Hi, Tim,
"...dreams prematurely put to shelf." I imagine we all feel this way, at least a bit. Wise words to your younger self throughout!
Thank you!
L

Neopoet

Retrospection (A Poem to my Childhood Self)