In the Forthcoming Years

i sit here
within the iridescent glow of trees
beneath the lambent light
of this harvest moon
thoughts twirling
like leaves in summer's breeze
knowing another year
we will soon have aged
as i write to you...

dearest self
do not look to the years of yore
that have made us stand
stronger than the hundred year old oak
on the creek's island
for we have faced
the same turbulence 
as it within life's many storms

upon the bank of time
we have watched many
erode away from life
as the world crumbled
like autumn's leaves around us

we have felt the bitter bite
of death's own hands
piercing, numbness
like winter's breath
made us stifle
beneath countless tears

so look not back
rather forward

walk beneath the sky
as it blushes crimson hues
across the dark canvas
before the first light breaks

dance beneath the soft rain
if only to become renewed
like the flowers of spring
spread your wings
in flight
sing with the birds
in morning's song

walk slow
and admire life
smell the flowers
whenever you can
for life is a mere path
that falls too short for many

admire the beauty of all around
including self
for i have neglected us
for way too long

stand strong
like that oak
and be proud
of you
forevermore 

9/21/2021

Letter to future self
Sponsored by Silent One
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hamilton Avatar
February 8, 2023 at 8:40 PM
Enjoyed this Sandy hope you are well.
Agustin Avatar
January 23, 2023 at 8:48 PM
Thanks for sharing this. Meanwhile, by God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy from the Lord toward a prosperous New Year 2023 along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
Goff Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 8:37 AM
Visiting once more Sandra, love this!
Woodrow Avatar
September 20, 2022 at 9:35 PM
Beautiful and uplifting write from title to ending ! :)
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 22, 2022 at 1:54 AM
Sandra, Your poetry never ceases to impress me. A soliloquy that bares your soul expressed brilliantly my friend. This is going into my Faves. I am sorry for this very belated comment. Late May 29th 2021 I lost my son and it has taken a lot of time to get back to poetry. blessings xxoo
Adams  Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 1:24 AM
Beautiful said! From one Sandra Adams to another that was inspirational! Thank you!
Alex Avatar
March 20, 2022 at 5:19 AM
"Standing strong like that oak" - Beautifully written.
Goff Avatar
February 5, 2022 at 5:11 AM
Whew! an amazing lyrical journey of self awakening, Sandra...thank you!
Theraven Avatar
December 14, 2021 at 9:05 PM
Sandra, All best wishes for a favorite poet. Especially as another new year closes in. -Richard
Hamilton Avatar
December 7, 2021 at 8:26 AM
Another soul lifting write Sandy, you always surpass my expectations and they are extremely high. Congrats on another win, hope you are well and write again soon!
Watt Avatar
October 27, 2021 at 2:19 PM
Sandra, your tapestry of nature images (summer's breeze, the old oak, autumn leaves, winter cold, the storm, sunrise) woven together with life's trajectory is stunning and so soul-affirming. "So look not back / rather forward" is sound advice, especially when the past weighs us down. Admiring the beauty around us, even within us, is also such good counsel to remember. Positivity and courage seep through in every line. So good to read your exquisite writing again, going in my faves. Hugs ~ John
One Avatar
October 17, 2021 at 12:28 PM
I miss your amazing poems and our great collaborations... I can feel the angst and slight regret in your words, but like the positive ending... Congratulations on your first place in the contest..
Adams Avatar
October 22, 2021 at 4:28 PM
wow thank you... my muse has been fickle since covid lockdowns... she comes in bits and piece... miss the collaborations and your wonderful words as well...
Goldsmith Avatar
October 17, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Back with Congratulations on this win. A wonderful story/write. Love It. Have a great/blessed autumn day...............
Parker Avatar
October 7, 2021 at 4:15 PM
beautiful poem dear poet, we live only once
Theraven Avatar
September 30, 2021 at 8:08 AM
Sandra, Read your poem for your future self, felt the impact of 'smell the flowers ~ whenever you can ~ for life is a mere path ~~ that falls too short for many' Yeah, wish some had been allowed to stay longer to hear your sage advice. -Richard
Horsman Avatar
September 27, 2021 at 7:01 AM
Wonderful positive poetry, Love this Sandra.
Goldsmith Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 9:24 AM
As always, what a wonderful story/write. You are so right, we must look forward. Love where you say "stand strong like that oak and be proud of you forevermore." If only we could remember that. Have a great/blessed day...............
Mcintosh Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 7:08 AM
This is so beautiful - I love it. God bless you sweet friend. Love to you, Gina
Dietrich Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 4:30 PM
JUST wonderful, Sandra. You always come through so amazingly in free verse challenges. Wish I could write more this way!
Mcconnell Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Such a super piece Sandra, bringing great counsel to your future self, lovely imagery and insightfulness. Take care, blessings and hugs, Gordon
Wolves Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 12:40 PM
oh my how I do love this poem... it's absolutely wonderful...
Cunningham Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 12:07 PM
A letter to your future self that is full of positivity with a very uplifting message. Best of luck Sandra. Tom
Green Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 11:01 AM
Beautifully written and expressed thoughts that would lead anyone towards the future with their head held high and their expectations soaring. Best wishes in the contest my friend. This should definitely be at the top of the winner's list.
Buhagiar Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 9:03 AM
A splendid poem. I haven't heard from you lately. Hugs.
Pandit Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 8:01 AM
This should be at the apex of winning poems. Splendid metaphors deliver your uplifting message in your wonderful signature style, Sandy. Kudos for the write. Wishing you the forevermore.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace