Before It's Too Late

My hair is going gray, and

My knees will soon give way.

I have a chronic illness

That I work to keep at bay.

The body’s showing wear and tear.

Many parts run sore.

I start the day with several pills

And end with several more.

The eyes no longer see too well.

Forward, the future’s not too clear.

Yet looking back into the past

They see things sharp, still near.

I have regrets for things I see, and

I know forgiveness isn’t free. But

How can I pay for all the wrongs

For which you still blame me?

You’re more than twice the age now

That I was the day you were born.

And yet you bear the burden still

Of a childhood you felt was torn.

In your heart you have a book filled

With snapshots saved for years.

Moments when I scarred you   

And filled your eyes with tears.

Oh, it’s not like all I hear are    

Accusations thrown my way.

But every now and then, there

Are things you're apt to say.

“I remember Christmas morning, so

Excited we thought we’d burst.

But you wouldn’t let us open gifts

Until we’d eaten breakfast first.”

This is but one time that I failed. Was it

Really all that bad? I question in my mind.

But the tone in which you say it says

I was a mother of the worst kind.

My seasons now pass quickly,

Autumn leaves are turning brown.

I wonder how much time is left

Before my clock winds down.

I know I wasn’t perfect.

But I did the best I could.

I hope some day you'll forgive me, and

Please, before I’m gone, if you would.

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This is my offering for One Shot Wednesday.