Can I leave the past behind?
It returns --never mind--
One learns along the way
That was, long ago,
And does not go away,
Not tomorrow, today,
Or now, ever -- go?
I'm not clever
Enough to know, but
Hope the past is kind
And careful with our minds.
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I can really relate to this one.
ReplyDeleteMy past wasn't always kind but there's no way I could leave it behind (unintentional rhyme)
Succinct, tough, gentle, human. I admire that --and some of the best rhymes are unintentional.
DeleteRemembering the past is a good thing. The lessons you learned throughout life are valuable. It is essential to live for the moment. There is no reason for being here if you don't make the most of now. All of this should be done with an eye toward the future. Hope is what keeps us from losing our minds.
ReplyDeleteRemarkable Emma, I have seldom heard such an important thing so well-said.
DeleteMy past harbours a lot of demons...but I never shut it out.
ReplyDeleteInstead, I try to learn from it and focus mainly on the happier memories...then, hopefully, the future will be brighter...:)
Quite a life-affirming plan. Admirable.
DeleteI find myself sometimes dwelling on my past and I have to remind myself to live in the moment. We can't change the past so there's really no point, but it's hard to stop ourselves from occasionally going back there!
ReplyDeleteVery hard indeed. The present is an excellent focal point but we need to remember how we got to it and where we left things.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I must say how much I like your photo, Geo .
ReplyDeleteMost of my past memories are very good ones and cause me joy when I relive them , I am a lucky girl ...
I enjoyed your poem, Geo
Lucky girl indeed. And I consider your compliment most fortunate. Thanks.
DeleteWonderful poem.... Lovely photo. In my last conversation with a dear friend who left us suddenly and much too soon, we agreed that our memories have softened and the edges of our realities of youth and young adulthood have blurred enough to bring a smile, a gratitude for longtime relationships, and a heartful of hope for the future. Smiles...Susan
ReplyDeleteMost kind, and welcome!
DeleteHey Geo, this is a great piece, both punchy and accessible. And yes, "careful with our minds" is bang on. Indigo
ReplyDeleteThanks Indigo!
DeleteMy past has been very, very gentle with me. Thankfully, the few problems that I have had have been great learning experiences.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, the comments for this post are awesome! Each one is worth a blog post in itself. Kudos to you Geo for initiating such a great discussion!
Most kind KK. I too am delighted with comments here, yours too!
DeleteThere is such a delicate argument in your poem. We cannot change our past, but it seems like your poem wants the past to be a little tender in spite of being a little tart and a little bittersweet.
ReplyDeletePerceptive Munir, yes -- I suspect part of us wishes to remember without fear or regret.
DeleteI love my past, every mistake, every heartache, every path taken, not taken. Most folks can't believe a person could live without any regrets, but I have none. It's a waste of time and the life that is Now, which, of course, it has always been.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the past being "kind and careful with our minds" ... lovely poem.
Thanks, Teresa. Most kind.
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