Past, Present, Future Poem by Cheryl Ricci

I am always amazed at how the past defines the present
And how the present will define the future

Actions of the past which seemed so daunting
Can change
When you look back
As being strong and willful

To picture yourself as shy and weak
Only to realize that you are strong and determined
Facing each day
Standing tall with your head held high
And shoulders back
Ready to face whatever comes before you

Decisions that were made
Scared and unsure of what you need to do
But realizing that only you can take care of what needs to be done
Paving the way for the future
Of another human being

Responsibilities so huge
But taking each one
Small steps at a time
Thinking each one through
Knowing that you must be strong
To guarantee that the future
Of one so small

Big eyes that look at you
All knowing that he will be safe and secure with you
Even though you wake each day
Wondering how will I do this
Can I do this

Days filled with easy tasks
Nurturing with a feeling that I can do this
Sometimes struggling
Wondering if I can

As time goes by
You both begin to look to each other
For that smile of approval
A hug, a kiss
Letting you know that everything is going to be okay

The present
Reflecting on the past
Observing that little boy that now has turned into a man
Realizing that he too is wondering
How will I do this
Can I do this

Laughing and holding his children
Looking at me
Smiling
Knowing that he can
Because he was raised to be strong and determined
Like his mother
Who learned so long ago
That you must be the one to bring the past into the present
Paving the way to the future