Reminding Mementos Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Disappointments I no longer keep,
As regretted open wounds slow to mend.
That I had expected to leave left that way.
To burden myself with yesterday's sorrows.
No.
I have matured to grow.

Today, tomorrow and those days ahead,
I now view whatever wounds I had as souvenirs.
Reminding mementos...
Of those who taught me lessons well.
And how a getting to stand on my own two feet,
Was easier than a belief...
A keeping on my knees weeping to get sympathy,
Would bestow upon me a strengthened dignity.
No.
Growth takes pain and a reaping gained from it,
Are harvest the rewards.

But I had to learn for myself this concept...
A dignity to have is a dignity to earn first.
And an identity to pride is felt and not annointed.
As with a marinating to age does,
When one is not declaring their wisdom...
To have it recognized by others.