Looking Back
~~~
If given some say by would be fate
Change things in my life, a second chance
An opportunity to skew my current state
And in some small way my life enhance
~~~
If I could rewind to those biggest choices
Where I could choose left instead of right
If I had listened to the other head voices
Or just seen my world in a truer light
~~~
If I had decided to stay instead of run
Or built a bridge in place of a wall
When it was finally all said and done
Would it really have mattered at all
~~~
If I had decided to risk when I faced a fear
Or saved the love I so poorly spent
If each branch on my forward path more clear
Would it have changed the direction I went
~~~
Or would I do everything just the same
Suffering over each pain and great fall
Not kismet or destiny will bear the blame
For in my own life I am master of all
~~~
Would changing the past be benefit
Would it have made me some better man
Or must I accept history and be fine with it
That not everything went according to plan
~~~
An easier road may have been sought
But would it change who I would be
I can accept what my failures bought
For they made the person that is me
~~~
I would not want to change a moment
For when all added they create a sum
Each a critical and vital component
To the man that I have become
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
It is easy to look back and wish we had done things differently, but I think anyone who looks back and doesn’t cringe at some of their choices or actions has not grown. This is so beautifully written, my dear friend. I adore the person you are. I wouldn’t change a single thing! ❤🦒
You are very generous with your words. Thank you, Kristian! ♥
I mean them.
Thinking that there is a possibility to turn back and go right instead of left, go up instead of down, and things like that, may make us think that we can right some of the wrongs we have committed or erase some of our mistakes (what we know now that are mistakes, while we were making them we might have thought it was right), but destiny is not guided by our wishes, but by our actions and actions cannot be changed. Lovely work my friend, you have turned a philosophical prolegomenon, (not to a book but to a discussion). into art.
Thank you kindly, my brother! I love your viewpoint and you are correct, actions cannot be changed.
You’re very welcome my brother! Take good care and all the best!
this is so wonderful asked and answered. I feel exactly the same about my life.
Thank you, Beth! I am glad it spoke to you.
I hear – and understand – this message, loud and clear. When I start thinking that way (and I do, far too often), I remind myself that I did the best I could with the knowledge I had at the time and the understanding I had of the circumstances of each decision at the time.
Acceptance starts with self. Thanks, sis. Love you!
one of my favorites, Bard. All those what-ifs, but it’s so hard to say what the outcome of alternative choices would have been that we need to accept they way things are and keep moving forward…
Thanks, Jim! It is good to have you back, my friend!
my apologies for the typo; I know I’ve done that a few times!
I so get this. Who doesn’t have occasions about the “what ifs,” even if we’re happy in our present life? I had this discussion with a friend recently and concluded that there are certain things in life where “content” will suffice. When I eat a meal, watch a film or play, read a book, etc. In the end, I want to feel content. The feeling of that was time well spent.
The difference for me is the crucial things in life, such as relationships, career, etc., contentment doesn’t cut it. That feels like settling; we should never settle when it comes to important areas of life.
Look at you making me get all philosophical.😊 Heading off to Montana tomorrow to see our son. That’s one of those areas where contentment doesn’t cut it. Talk to you next week.
Thank you, Pete! I love it when you wax philosophical. Safe travels and enjoy your time with the family!
I have never wanted to relive my life but I would love to see the alternate universe results if I had made different turns on the path. I suspect that in my case, the bottom lines would not be that different even if the names, places, and jobs were not the same.
I think in most cases the alternate would not diverge tremendously from the original. Thank you for that wonderful perspective. I guess wisdom does come with age!
It is so inspiring and beautiful ❤️😭👌🌻🥺🔥
I was thinking to write something abt my past but I can never write better than this but will try
I am falling for your poems Sir 🥺
You are too kind, Isha! Thank you so much. I am glad you find them worthwhile. I hope they inspire you! 💛🙏😀