Holding On

The past is over. Let it go
And welcome in tomorrow.
Our days on earth are measured out
And more we cannot borrow.

Such sage advice, for sure, and yet
Instruction I can’t follow.
The letting go part is, to me,
A pill I cannot swallow.

And so I cling to memories
And objects from the past,
In disbelief that all those years
Have disappeared so fast.

I realize that by holding on,
I’m mired in the muck.
It once felt comfortable in there,
But now I’ve gotten stuck.

It’s time to shed my former self,
Embrace the older new;
I wouldn’t bet on my success – 
It’s hard as hell to do.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Flach Avatar
July 31, 2013 at 9:02 AM
Yeah, I've always told my kids the easiest thing to do in life is to give advice and the hardest thing to do is to follow it - even when it is your own advice. My suggestion - let go of the toxic stuff but cling onto the good stuff. There I go again - doing the easiest thing in life to do.
Manassian Avatar
July 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM
:) What a finish line....Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear....This is me THROUGH and THROUGH! Lovely write, Ilene...Keep them coming!
Johnson Avatar
July 29, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Holding on and letting go are all part of the game. The answer to the riddle is that nothing stays the same. The heart will always let you know it's time to say goodbye. But deep inside each soul exists something that will defy.
Posey Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Great creative and insightful writing. You are writing very well these days... I enjoy my visits to your portfolio.... love ya.. Jake
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