they told us not to burn bridges,
but i set fire to them and watched them burn–
they told us not to count our chickens,
but i counted the hens and the chicks and the roosters–
they told us to mind our manners
but i didn’t mind turning my back on what they told us
and now all these years later
i am more pensive and patient and present,
and i will turn my face to the rising sun and
be a gentle force to be reckoned with
spanishwoods 
This is a lovely poem. I love it.
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Thank you so much Sherry.
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A very strong, moving poem
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Thank you ever so much.
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So inspiring, as always..
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Well, I look back at my mistakes and at the same time, try to keep moving forward. Which is often difficult.
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It is true and although it’s hard, better to keep moving forward rather than to stop.
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The plant reaches for the sun. Lovely poem. 🙂
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Wolfgang’s capture…and thank you.
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Words of wisdom. Thank you. Sally
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I find medicine goes a long way. Thank you for stopping by Sally.
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I understand more in 7 lines than in an essay. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, it’s not easy, right? Age has mellowed my mind. And meds.
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Hmmm …. I wish I could mellow more … age is giving me wisdom but more awareness of the extent of humans’ cruelty. Thank God there’s exceptions.
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Great use of aphorisms, Sylvia. Love the shot, Wolf. 🙂
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Thank you Eliza. And one final one that would be fitting: Hindsight is always 20/20… Things seem so clear to me now. But, we must keep moving forward………
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Yes! 🙂
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Fortunately, we survive the surety of immortal youth. Lovely write, Sylvia.
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Usually not unscathed, but yes, we survive. Thank you Robert.
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