In Retrospect Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

In retrospect,
With time to have lived...
Given to reflect upon,
A multitude of experiences.
Those amongst us can not say,
Our lives to live...
Have been done without some,
Regrets to admit them faced.
And fortunate and blessed,
Are the ones taking steps...
Forward.
To recognize the past,
Is not an everlasting 'thing'.

Limited visions and repeated,
Decisions many find to make...
To keep them made.
Do themselves the injustice.
And welcome distrust created.
Yet demand, they do,
From others high expectations.
With expectations they refuse,
To set for themselves to make.
Or appreciate what it takes,
With steps made to do this.

In retrospect,
Regrets expressed to accept...
Is a part of life to live.
And one growing older knows...
Disappointments felt,
Do not last.
Nor should perceptions kept,
To keep them unchanged...
Will make a difference,
If anyone reflecting...
In retrospect expects,
Changes needing to be made...
Come without making,
Some sacrifices and tears.
Wept to leave regrets behind.
Since there is no other way,
A moving forward...
Can be claimed done to do,
With it proven to be...
Accomplished to have paid dues
Successfully.