I used to be.

The past is gone. What can we do to improve our life and show love and kindness to family and friends.

 

I used to be
 
A man is telling me of all his many deeds and accomplishments.
I smile and listen.
Pretend I care.
 
I don't believe in talking about the past.
Today I am who I am.
What matters is what will I do today.
 
I used to be a drinker.
I used to be a Lover of women.
I used to tell the world to f-off and travel my own direction.
 
Now those days seem like Myths of someone elses  life.
 
I wonder who I am now?
The drinker lost the desire to drink.
The Lover found someone to hold on to.
 
The man who ran down streets and beaches telling the world to f-off has faded away.
 
Older, wiser and smarter?
 
I know today a man needs to be kind.
 
Needs to listen.
 
Fix problems, not create them.
 
Treat others with respect.
 
I used to be wild and crazy.
 
Now I know.
 
We need someone to love and protect.













 
                          Coyote
                           2008

Author's Note

Have a safe and wonderful new year.

Reviews

[Dane Osborne]

Wisdom comes with age. Most of the things we did that we thought were cool when we were younger, we don't think so greatly of when we get older.

At 26, i'm still a young guy BUT i'm not getting any younger....so that means i'm old enough to understand what you are truly talking about.

I had my "wildman" phase in my late teens and early twenties and whilst there were some fun memories there are other memories that make me go "God, what the hell was I thinking". But that is how one learns.

A very wise and insightful peice. Thank you for sharing.

[Daniii]

This is the best poem i've ever read.... amazing job!((:

[Life Is like Trust...It..]

Very inspiering. I feel very touched by heart at such a young age to understand. Although I've never done any of that>.> but I still can relate to things I've seen happen.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Love the message in this poem, but your writing always leaves me wanting to be a better person! Excellent writing, my friend!

[KAREN]

Great words for people to read and learn from. You have grown into a man for younger and older people to look up to and to learn from. This was a very enjoyable read with an excellent message!

[Poeticpiers]

But who you are today is based on who you were My friend
I agree its pointless wasting time on regrets about things you cannot change
I think we need to make a few mistakes in our youthful days.I know I certainly did and learnt from them

[Sbernie18]

interesting poem, also in the style and the way you wrote it. good job though

[Aidz]

with age comes wisdom based in reflection and life learning... today I am comfortable in my own skin, yet sometimes the angry youth lurks beneath... thnx for sharing mate

[light and ashes]

I love the ending line: "We need someone to love and protect." This is so true, beautiful and profound poem.

[Wolf's Dark Song]

A very compelling and human write. I think a lot of us have been down roads like these. Nice to read of how you overcame what you didn't like about yourself. That shows strong character in my book.

[Rachel Fitzgerald-Feele..]

a nice comparative piece based on realisation and self improvement, I enjoyed reading :)