Burned Bridges
Self reflection doesn’t become me
It gets lost in weeds of regret and yesterdays
That cannot change
No matter the tears
Branches off in petty arguments
With a younger visage
Who did this or such
Before I could change her path
I know why each thought was thought and why
Each river was forded before
The burned Bridges
With not a care for those left in the eddies
Of marsh grasses and cattails
Awareness of self with all ego
And subterfuge
Understanding each calculated deception
And artifice
Takes too much
Patience
And more than is possible
Forgiveness
thecourseofourseasons 
Self-reflection is kind of a matter of becoming – in a way – and yet as you say – doesn’t become sometimes. Or at least we feel that way. Agh! Your poem is one that is very easy to relate to. Thanks. k.
Ah, but there is nothing more changeable than the past. We change it each day with our retellings. To me it seems more mutable than the present or our dreams of the future. Get the Weedwacker out and tell a different story. Imagine what it should have been. Put words to it. Feel the Magick!
This is sad. Full of regrets. Burned bridges…
Great capture of regrets and moving on!
Thanks, J – always appreciate your time and comments!
….some bridges are easier to burn than others.and some are impossible to rebuild..you captured the challenge of moving on well here 😉
Thanks – so appreciate it! K
Reminded me of my childhood in the swamps of Maryland..the beginning and the end…you captured..thank you
Thanks so much, Tracy, it was nice of you to drop by and comment! K
Sounds like you prefer the now of the presentbto yesterday’s sorrows – a good way to be.
Thanks! K
Burned bridges are the pits and it really can veer off into random directions. Unfortunately, we all do it and even more unfortunately, more than once too.
Nancy
Hi Nancy – not really sure where this came from – but not one to dwell on those bridges left burning – just a move forward kinda gal. Must be the cold meds! LOL K
” weeds of regret and yesterdays”. Lovely poem.
Thank you so much! K
I have learned to let burning bridges be just that ~ I was specially pulled by your opening lines ~
Thanks, Grace! K
Love this. Especially the ” weeds of regret and yesterdays”. Lovely
So happy you did – and thanks! K
Beautiful words and great advice delivered as only a poet can. Thanks, Kathleen.
Thank you, Wayne – so happy you liked it! K
Interesting to read the beginning, that self reflection doesn’t become you, but then the poem seems to be self-reflective.in a way. I do think sometimes we have to get beyond the burned bridges if they can no longer be repaired, and perhaps not try to figure out the why’s of things that have already passed…..and instead resolve to start anew today. Just my thoughts after having read your poem.
I thought that was funny too – that it became a very reflective poem after that first declarative line. And yes, sometimes burned bridges are just that and we move on. Thanks, Mary, I always appreciate you time and comments! K
Dear Kathleen, Blessings and grace. You surely have a gift for poetry and friendship. Love, Ellen
Thank you, Ellen, your kind words always mean so much to me! K
@ Kathleen,
Great opening. This opening reminded me of certain contemplation traditions where some techniques are deemed unhealthy for certain personality/disposition types. Learning the type of critter we are is so important.
But this poem is really one of regret, isn’t it? Regret for those harmed by your former self. Ahhh, but if you were to live 50 more years, how would this self talk to today’s. “More carelessness lass!”, perhaps.
Smile.
Very nicely done.
Interesting take on this poem – and yes, regret but I think more forgiveness for those transgressions. Always look forward to your comments – thanks for dropping by! K
so hard…to see the struggles and stay with an open heart, with patience, so hard.
But that is what teaches us those things – patience and forgiveness – with others and our selves. blessings to you today – K
mmm…i have had to do this in life…the letting go of things…the burning bridges so they have no route to make it back and so that i could live once more outside of its shadow….felt piece…
Thank you as always, B
i feel you in this…there def. are things that can’t be changed anymore and maybe then it’s a good choice to make peace with the situation and burn the bridges so that it no longer haunts us, as long as there’s a small spark of hope, i would fight though
Thanks, Claudia – I always appreciate your time and comments. K