worn-out clothes

somewhat a poem.

I outfitted my worn-out clothes

Then in the far mirror, I see myself

I look behind the old me

Look past the mask he wears,

Staring…  

 

After what seems like a few seconds,

I finally asked him;

 

“Have I neglected you?”

 

He didn’t answer…

A single tear fell in his left eye

And then I understood…

 

“I am sorry, I let you stay behind

masked for too long

muffled you for quite some time.

We all know society is cruel place to be.

We need to be strong & I needed to be stronger.

It was for our sake.

But then it was just me being a coward

    - afraid to face reality.

 

Now look at us, we’re both crying for the decisions

we made long ago. It was not your fault,

I’m to blame with all of this crap.

I made you do it, I convinced you with my

Fears. And I am truly sorry.”

 

I break down into sobs. He simply hugs me, not saying anything.

Then he fades away.

 

I dried away the tears I shed

And found something, a feeling,

I never knew he gave,

I found forgiveness.

I was able to forgive myself

From the things I did.

To stay past the past mistake,

To face the new, kinda old me…

 

Then I realized;

It is important to forgive yourself

To be able to move forward.

Author's Note

taken from the depths of my mind. Still raw. its still a poem right?


thank you for reading me.

Reviews

[Blood Ink Diary]

And, this poem speaks across spaces - the oscillation between raw and ripe emotions beautifully manifested. Thoroughly relished the sensitive examination of the depth of your mind.

You asked if this is "still a poem" -- let's say your mind is an excellent, that is the best validity, my friend. Cheers Pax.

[Shaquana Adams]

That was such a powerful ending. I simply love this. Great job! ^-^

[Pax]

thank you... :)

[Sugar Plum ♥]

Beautifully expressed poem. sounds like an old wisdom, you found a new ways to discover and reveal your true self...I like the dialogue which is also monologue, everyone needs such good advice and looking deep into his heart. I like the structure poem, even not flowing so easily and so thoughtful....It has meaning and the main point about forgiveness to yourself is so important. We often can`t forgive ourselves not only for the things we do, but for the things we dont do. It`s not an easy task, but never regret, just try to see well your mistakes and admit. I like the last verses :

I found forgiveness.
I was able to forgive myself
From the things I did.
To stay past the past mistake,
To face the new, kinda old me…

:: nour ::

[Pax]

There are many things I am not proud of, mistakes I try to forget, hiding behind the mask, it is not easy to let go, it is not easy to forgive, but it is something we needed for ouselves, to forgive... I am always grateful when you came by dear friend, always a pleasure reading your insights on how wide you can see the world... thank you very much!

[Sugar Plum ♥]

Me too,i`m very happy to read from you! I wish you to not be sad...everyone has his hard times in life and very "peaceful" moments are so rare...But still if you feel your mistake, it`s also not just yours, but of others around., i`m sure! and you already know it and forgive! thank you for your kind words too...

[Sreenath]

very touchy poem, brings a wave of emotion in the heart. i find some thing wrong in the line
"A single tear fell in his left eye" i guess it should be "from his left eye" ... or i don't know whether you meant the same ....
it has that emotional feel all through out the line extremely well .. enjoyed reading it peace :)

[Pax]

thank you, Sreenath. I'll take note of that suggestion... I so appreciate this review...

[priya]

its a wondeful poem, if you ask me..so deep and heartfelt the emotions are, it makes me ponder..have we ever had time to forgive ourselves for our mistakes..and the answer was "no"..it was a realization which hit hard upon me.. thanks for making me realize this important aspect of life, so that we can move forward in life to be what we want to be... thanks for sharing such a thoughtful poem.. :)

[Pax]

thank you, its quite a reminder and a great realization for me... I am happy that this piece touch you as it dug deep in my heart too... I appreciate this review very much!

[priya]

my pleasure Pax.. :)

[Michael G.]

It is refreshing to come here to read your work and find that you still draw from deep within, truths and thoughts to make your reader pause and consider the overall life lesson you present to us. The internal struggle we all have with ourselves, and the power of forgiveness of self is truly a big lesson for all. Your point here was very clear.
Keep writing, my friend. It is indeed poetry, and I enjoyed it.

[Pax]

Mr. G, my friend, it is really good to see you back, so glad to see you. Thank you very much, surely you are missed.

[Michael G.]

Thank you, Pax. It feels good being back.

[Blue]

Yes, still raw. Just little more polishes and it will be somewhat better. Nevertheless, the message goes right through the heart.

[Pax]

hey, there, kabayan, thank you, its great seeing yah, I am glad you see the message and the value of the poem. I am grateful!

[David Scott]

I like this self talk very much Pax. I would suggest an edit for a few typos and word tense etc... Still, this poem is powerful medicine for the soul. Let me know if you would like me to give any advice by mail for editing.

[Pax]

oh, please do, I would be grateful, because i was indeed confuse with the tenses here and there in this piece, i don't know which one to edit. Thank you, mr. David, it is indeed a medicine, somehow very therapeutic to my soul.

[Ruth]

Forgiving takes acceptance, sometimes a mask is needed, for a short while...until we are gathered enough to cope with another step forward, wonderful piece hon xo

[Pax]

thank you very much, my friend...

[emmajoy]

It's a known fact that forgiving other people is far easier than forgiving self.. mainly because we so often care more about them than self, either cos of arrogance or maybe more so, indifference. Tears for others show empathy, what we all need is tears for self to wash away the hurt.. to baptise negative thoughts and convert them into smiles and hope. Your writing is amazingly sensitive - near fragile in fact, BUT from its beautiful phrasing comes courage and more. A wonderful poem, Pax.. truly.

[Pax]

"what we all need is tears for self to wash away the hurt..
to baptise negative thoughts and convert them into smiles and hope."

~ sigh, you say such beauty and wisdom, ms. Em's.... I truly appreciate it. Remembering the time I wrote this, the way I shed tears as I write down, is another one of my burdens, forgiven. HUGs, thank you so much!

[emmajoy]

Blowing smiles your way..

[aacpuente]

I so love the last line, "It is important to forgive yourself to be able to move forward" *applause* & *thumbs up*

[Pax]

Thank you, Kabayan aacpuente...