Grown Apart

I wrote this piece about a friend that I lost but who still wants to be friends. It's a complicated situation and I feel guilty about how things turned out.

I remember simpler times

Common interests and innocence 

Growing and learning 

clearly from different worlds moving in separate directions

But sharing in the moment 

Growing up thrives on responsibility

Responsibility consumes time

Simple becomes complicated

Innocence gives way to understanding

Now others depend on me

To focus and move forward

While misfortune keeps you frozen in time

I am what I am, in part, thanks to you 

Still, I can't afford to go back and meet you again

It seems harsh 

It is unfair

It might be needless

Still, years have passed and we have grown apart

I must move forward 

For my family

For my future

For me

As I continue to learn and grow,

I will do so knowing that I am what I am, in part, thanks to you

And while states have changed

I fondly look back at the simple, innocent moments in time when friendship and laughter made a bond that never broke but just unfolded in separate directions

Reviews

[John Stussy]

This poem's got a good deal of bitter, but the sweet lies in the understanding and acceptance that life does lead elsewhere at times, and that though some may grow apart, they can recall the laughs, the troubles, and the lessons shared fondly. Great work.

[Coyote Poetry]

Honest and direct thoughts.
"As I continue to learn and grow,
I will do so knowing that I am what I am, in part, thanks to you
And while states have changed
I fondly look back at the simple, innocent moments in time when friendship and laughter made a bond that never broke but just unfolded in separate directions"
I believe when we are young. We seek separation and with old age. We fall back together again. We learn the important of the family. I was lucky. Dear Grandfather taught. Have a wide open door for friends and family. All of us need a safe place to go. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Amberlilies]

I agree. The older I get, the more I seek out relationships with others. It's much more difficult to create strong bonds as well. We have to cherish the relationships we have but also let go of ones that are a negative influence. Just because its difficult to create new relationships doesn't mean we should suffer through toxic ones.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right. We need people, we can feel safe with.

[barleygirl]

Your situation & feelings are crystal clear in your poem -- something I enjoy, becuz I don't like to work to figure out what a poem means! Some might say this "sounds like prose" -- the use of larger, complex words sounds more cerebral, compared to using more sensory & feeling-type expressions. But it doesn't matter, becuz you've structured it like a poem & your words are giving us a fresh look at an age-old situation between friends. I can feel the regret for walking away from a friend who stays "stuck" . . . it can be hard, but it's better to leave, when the other person is more likely to drag you down, instead of being able to lift him/her up.

[Amberlilies]

Thank you for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I can definitely tell you understand the situation I'm trying to capture. I'll be sure to pop over to your page and check out some of your work as well!