Remembering When

A common phrase in athletic circles, Speaks to the value of a short memory. Designed to move on from costly mistakes, While avoiding that painful slavery. Regretfully, there's a side-effect, Causing repeated offenses taking place. Where the perpetual forgetfulness often Resembles, the stupidity on every face. This cycle shows a lack of learning, Allowing ignorance to blindly lead. While skillful rhetoric veils the reality, Giving shade to those in need. The conflicts seldom clarify, Any memory that stood before. As the past attempts to be re-written, With a clouded history to ignore. So powerful is this illusion, Where what is seen is not believed. That the truth becomes ambiguous, In the shadows of those deceived. Yet optimism is still abundant, Piercing through every now & then. As those afflicted eventually recall, To a point where they remember when.