Backward & Forward By NSA
They say the past is gone
turn away
leave it behind
& yet: my smile
confident & dazzling
schools me.
I stare at myself
20 years ago
newly wed
ready &
surrounded by
my childhood
& yet: the hesitant now
no path ahead
no map for the middle-aged.
We are forgotten
& Botox weary
lotioned up
& singing loudly
as our kids
surge past us
into their unknown
how sure they seem
except at 1am, not sleeping.
I am not sleeping
I am hesitant
until I look back
at my smile:
confident & dazzling
I borrow her:
my old self:
excited for my future
I see a path ahead.
I stare at my camera
try to be sure enough
to catch myself here
Startled and dazzling
selfie set
terrified & ready.
(4.10.2018)
3 comments
Sarina Natkin
April 10, 2018 at 9:33 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
❤️❤️❤️
daniel
April 10, 2018 at 12:25 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
That was cool.
Nancy Schatz Alton
April 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Thank you!