Wind A Way

I look back at all the wars I have survived  

without letting my eyes fill with tears,  

because if I fall, I doubt I will get back up.  

But this war is no harder than the others.

I look at all the hearts I have broken,  

knowing they have not forgiven me,  

because I had to choose someone - and I chose myself.  

But I still hear the curses they have cast upon me.

I look back at all the roads I returned halfway,  

with gratitude,  

because I’m glad everything didn’t happen the way I asked -

but I cannot kill the creativity of “what ifs.”

Yet I will never be able to abandon myself- 

a blessing and a curse.  

Forgetting is my greatest strength,  

but not being able to choose what to forget is my greatest weakness.  

As long as I do not forget who I am,  

I will wind a way.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Putting ourselves first can leave a trail of broken hearts. But it also is a weapon to avoid getting ours broken.
The Creativity of "what-if's"......I have found a lot of creativity in those.
The almost relationships that were near misses but not misses for poetry.
j.

[Beren]

Sometimes you just have to do what's best for you, and it's important to understand that it's not selfish. Thank you so much sir!

[Ayesha Faiz]

This is a deep and powerful piece. It shows strength, honesty, and pain all at once. The lines about choosing yourself and the creativity of “what ifs” are especially touching.
Nice work Beren.

[Beren]

Yess! That's an understanding! Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment! I appreciate it! Nice to meet you!

[Ayesha Faiz]

It's a pleasure meeting you as well Beren. No need for thanks. We're on the same boat right? Both of us are writers. So no need for thanks. It's always wonderful review something nice and new. ❤️

[Ballpark Frank]

Excellent write. I wanted and was enthused to keep reading since this kept my attention. I can definitely relate to having to choose myself over less...

[Beren]

Definitely! I hope you always choose yourself sir. Thank you so much for your time!

[A.H.]

the message of choosing yourself, not to forget who you're, those are great thoughts and well expressed write. I like the positivity at the end of write, with hope and strength anything can be overcome. take care, B.

[Beren]

So sorry for not answering this comment on time my dear friend! Thank you so much for being here, again and again and again. Hope you are doing well!

[A.H.]

No worries, I was away for a bit too. Yes, am doing well. hope you're too, B.

[Victor D. Lopez]

"What ifs" can be the lifesaver that keeps us afloat when we are being pulled down into the abyss. Never abandon yourself, though, in pursuit of tose what ifs--you will be just fine; As long as you do not forget who you are, you will find a way. As Shakespeare advised, first to thine own self be true. Nicely done.

[Beren]

I apologize for keeping this comment waiting while I was trying to find myself. Sometimes people have to make an effort to remember themselves. As always, thank you for your kind words.

[emmajoygreen]

Finely laid words as always, Beren. However, going to mention the alternative because the sun's shining:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!?

[Beren]

Thank you Emma!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Beren
This well written poem show me that you have a lot of strength and self worth....obviously the men in your life did not meet up to your standard of what love really is...and so you left them and chose yourself...then you questioned a bit, which is normal, and in the end you blame yourself for forgetting them, as long as you remember who YOU are!!! well done!
Warmly, B

[Beren]

I'm glad my standards didn't match with them! Otherwise I wouldn't be who I am now.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!

[Betty Hermelee]

You are welcome!
Warmly, B
P.S I put up another chapter

[Beren]

Oh! I am checking! Thank you for lettin me know!

[D. Mansfield]

Excellent thinking there, it sounds like we have been down at least one shared road it takes all the pot holes and detours to arrive here.

[Beren]

Yes we've all been there I believe. Thank you for your time to read.

[Kady R.]

Heyyy Beren!!!! What a realistic poem of what happens when you chose yourself just like you stated. Sometimes you have to leave people behind, and there's nothing wrong with that. Individuality is such a precious thing and our differences is really what makes the world such an interesting place. It's great that you have a foundation of staying true to yourself and you chose that. I had to learn later choosing myself later on in life but better late then never. Hope you're well Beren!!

[Beren]

Ah thank you very much. It's really a sweet comment. I'm so glad you understand my feelings and I hope your mind and heart always meet in the same spot. Hope you always choose you! Take care!

[Kady R.]

Thanks Beren!! And you're welcome!!

[Soren]

This is an inspirational poem setting a course and blazing a trail making things work and finding a way. Moving it is a lovely piece

[Beren]

Thank you so much sir! I always love your comments!

[Lorry]

As Jacob said, those near misses and what ifs are great for poetry and reminiscing against the path we find ourselves on now, but they are no friend to the heart and mind of the self who has to live within a body that contains those memories in the mind, heart and gut that can make for the most irritable flatmates within the space that is self.
Forgetfulness can be a friend too... until it forgets to forget something, which leads only to remembering pasts pains.

[Beren]

Absolutely. A very true comment and sometimes listening to your body can save you from many situations. I think most of the time our minds know what is best but we have trouble accepting it. Thank you so much for your time sir!