Tiny Handprints

Thoughts about life

There were no tiny handprints, 

left for eternity In a freshly poured patio, 

nor, childish painted rocks in the yard with the names of long passed pets, 


But there will forever reside in the furthest recesses of my memory, the unforgettable events 

Of my childhood that left an indelible imprint, 

that left unseen scars, forever to have an effect 

on decisions, both good and bad, 

that l live with every day.


Yet, there is no time to weep for the past, for times gone by,  for tears are but a bitter hindrance that drags back those forbidden scenes that time has ineffectively found a way to heal.


So, though the seasons change, l will not allow the mis-givings of my youth, mistakes I've made, 

or feelings I've bruised, guild my future, 

nor prevent me from exploring new ideas, 

trying new things,  

or tackling life with an open mind.


For me,  life is to be cherrished, 

life is to be lived full throttle, 

life is too precious to let the past guild my way,  but, remembering lessons hard learned, 

so to not make the foolish mistakes.... again.....  


But,  you know I'm going to make those damned mistakes, because 

that's how l remind myself, 

that l am human, 

      and l am foulable, 

             and, l am a product of my youth, 

      

                     Even without the tiny handprints.

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

it's an interesting meditation on the relationship between the past and present. while it is undeniably true that the past does not exist, it is equally true that memories effect our present. how can we navigate life through this contradiction? as someone with many bad memories, there isn't an easy answer for me. a thought-provoking work, written with an effortless hand.

[Trace]

I have found that through my poetry and writing, l have opened up my forgottens or burried,, at times, and things forgotten would have been better off not remembered. This poem pulled up things that could have been just that.
Thank you for your wonderful comments and compliments.

Trace.

[MsJewel]

We're not perfect people Trace. In fact, I have found we are generally quite messy people, but the thing to remember is the past is the past. You are a wonderful man - compassionate, funny, intelligent and warm. I'm proud to call you my friend. Love this poem - written from your beautiful heart. Hugs, J

[Lydia Shutter]

Sometimes we repeat foolish mistakes because we choose to forget we did them the first time. We are all fallible....that is the truth. Once we accept that fact, we can be much happier people! Trace, I wish you and yours the happiest of holidays! Lydi**

[Trace]

I have a bunch of ideas bouncing around in my head for years. I finally started writing and this is what l ended up with. I may need to see a therapist to understand it, or just keep writing.
Thank you my friend for your wonderful comments and compliments.
Huggs, T.

[Chris Shaw]

We learn by our mistakes. That is how we grow and everyone makes them. Important to remember we aren’t defined by past mistakes. Enjoyed your post here Trace.

Chris

[Trace]

Thank you so very much for reading and commenting on my poem, l've had this tucked away for a long time.

Trace.

[S.Ren]

I really enjoyed reading. You are right although we are guided by the events of our past we should not be shackled by them, we are free to grow and evolve. However, as much as we move forward like an ocean the water still comes back to shore and remnants of the sand still washes away with it. I liked the poem especially in time for the coming of a new year where we are once again designed to hope for change.

[Trace]

Thank you so very much for reading and commenting on this poem.. your compliments are appreciated.

Trace.