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I Remember Seventeen

I remember seventeen
     living somewhere in-between
I saw the world as black and white
     Sides were chosen then to fight

Now that I am sixty three
     The world in gray is what I see
Gray in not a somber sense
     It’s that I’m sitting on the fence

I can see both halves of whole
     Healing a divided soul
Now the path is not so clear
     For me to stumble, now I fear

Thinking back on seventeen
     I was so innocent and clean
Conviction set the world I knew
     Unlike a lifetime in rear view

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Warren Doll

Date: 5/30/2018 11:36:00 AM

Mike, to me ,this poem shares a place among your best poems. You have captured the paradox of youth and aging, along with the many feelings that go with it to a tee. I'm saving it in my favorites. Warren:)

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 3:02:00 PM

Warren, That is so kind you to say and I am so happy that it resonated with you. Perhaps we are sharing similar experiences in life. Not trying to guess your age, of course, lol !!!

Janice Canerdy

Date: 5/30/2018 9:31:00 AM

This poem REALLY resonates with me. Now I realize taking a position "On the fence" doesn't necessarily mean I'm a coward! Good one, Mike. Janice

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 10:07:00 AM

Thanks Janice, I am so glad it connected with you xxoo

Silent One

Date: 5/30/2018 8:00:00 AM

Seventeen was a great age for me.. I used to have low self esteem, but this changed... When I was 17... it was a wonderful year.... lol... Great poem mike..

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 8:06:00 AM

Thanks Silent One. I do wish we had a way to visit the past even just for a day , Happy Wednesday!!

Robertina B.

Date: 5/29/2018 10:16:00 PM

" A wonderful rhyme Mike.. On memories of the past.. We certainly learn and grow from yesterdays.. A enjoyable reading! All the best to you.."

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 7:39:00 AM

Thank you so much, Robertina, All the best to you as well xxoo

Heidi Sands

Date: 5/29/2018 8:47:00 PM

I agree, great introspection with this one Mike. We have so much to look back on. Well written :)

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 7:40:00 AM

Thanks as always, Heidi for your positive words of support and encouragement xxoo

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/29/2018 8:09:00 PM

Black-and-white vs. shades of gray might also be viewed as simplicity vs. complexity---or even impulsiveness vs consideration and reflection. I'd say at 63 you're surely a far more interesting person than you were at 17---even if things aren't always so crystal-clear, perhaps ESPECIALLY that they're not! Best wishes, Mike, ~ Gershon

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/30/2018 7:42:00 AM

Thanks Gershon, Yes, I do agree with your view, I think those things are all true. Hopefully the part about being more interesting!! Best wishes to you as well !!!

Jan Allison

Date: 5/29/2018 5:28:00 PM

I wish I'd known at 17 what I know now - but we cannot change the past only hope we learn from mistakes we make:-) hugs Jan xx

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/29/2018 5:46:00 PM

So very true, Jan , with the passage of time, it's all so amazing xxcoo

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/29/2018 4:55:00 PM

Always fun to look back.. especially to teen years, and reflect as we age on a life well spent, and stumbles overcome..great introspection, Mike.

Mike Gentile
Date: 5/29/2018 5:45:00 PM

Thanks so much,Vijay the review on one's life is sometimes staggering !!