So, I’m not much of a poet, but occasionally I’ll try my hand at it. I thought I would share this poem that I wrote some years ago when I was in a pretty bad slump. I’m sharing this in response to the Daily Post prompt “Gone” because it’s all about missed opportunities and all those great things that are no longer available.
A Day Late
second-guessing, full of doubt
i’m the one who just missed out.
always get there when it’s done
“oh! you just missed the fun!”
what’s new to me, they knew back when.
I’m ready! now, they’re gone again.
my nose in a book, life passed me by.
What good are words when I die?
“such promise she had,” or so they’ll say
success never came my way.
perhaps it was to keep me humble
that God allowed me to stumble
along…blind as a mole,
comfy in my little hole.
perhaps I had too much pride
hidden deep down inside
whatever. It’s safe down here, out of sight
i think I’ll stay… it’s quite alright
who needs sunshine? shadows are fine
no crowd to please, to wine or dine
so what, the life I wanted never came?
i overslept and missed the game!
thinking, studying…not fool-hardy
yet messed around and missed the party!
my nose to the window glass,
i long for fame that another has.
i am here, though no one knows
pressing shirts and washing clothes
a hero to my children now
‘til they figure out just how
little I have really done
how few the accolades I’ve won
they’ll go far, do more, excel!
and I’ll be there to wish them well.
success just wasn’t meant for me.
my promise I’ve passed on—they’ll be
everything I never was.
since doubt and worry kept me back
focused on my loss and lack,
when I finally got ready to play
the night had o’ertaken the day
but, of course! you know, i’m just the sort
to get there late…and a dollar short
