Twenty years ago I wrote a lot of poems. Lately I’ve been reading through them and realized how much I’ve grown since then. Most of them no longer fit who I am today. A few of them can still make me feel the intensity of the emotions I had way back then. However, one is as true today as it was when I wrote it in July of 1989.
DUST ON THE SHELF
I take myself gently by the hand and listen to my fears and needs.
I comfort my soul in time of grief as I cry upon my knees.
With positive thoughts I will face the many tragedies that will come.
And always remember I’m important no matter how insecure I become.
No one understands or cares for me better than myself.
I must try never to forget I exist, like the dust on the shelf.
No piece of art is greater than the mind God has given me.
I alone have the power to control my destiny.
Nobody can destroy that which I have Built.
Save for one, the dreaded enemy in myself.
My foes may be many but no one is stronger than I.
And like the dust on the shelf, I will always be standing by.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I am a gladder person after reading this. Having a year of career ending drastic change, out of my control, and some pretty down times. Words to focus on, to be sure.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Syd, thank you so much for your comment. This past year has been very interesting for many people. Huge changes have reshaped many lives. Mine has changed so drasticly, I hardly recognize myself. I’m much strohger for it.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Fantastic!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:20 am
Your poem is perfect the the times though written 20 years ag0. We all need reminders that we truly are the ones in the driver seat. We can turn the perceived (at the moment)bad events,int opportunities, so long as we remember “I alone have the power to control my destiny.
Nobody can destroy that which I have Built.
Save for one, the dreaded enemy in myself.”
Thank you for this wonderful post!