Past Self – A Poem

I’m struck by my past

when I look upon a photo of myself.

In the photo, I’m forever

stuck in the pose of balance

during a time where

I was still trying to learn

who I was and dream of

what I wanted to be.

As I take in my form with the benefit of age,

I speak quietly to who I was,

letting him know there are tough times coming,

years where the darkness will feel all consuming.

I think of how I had to fight,

and encourage the light within

to glow brightly.

If I look at the photo of myself,

I can see the seed of that light in my gaze

as I look forward to what will come.

I touch my face in the photograph,

trying to communicate to the me

who is frozen in the past

that there are good times on their way, too,

some of the very best times where many wishes

are granted and dreams come true.

I tell the past me that though I do not end up

where I thought I would,

I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

The internal child I hold within

is comforted by this and I feel it let go

of the fear that I’ve been holding onto,

giving me balance once more.