On Becoming
I was another long ago -
once brash, impatient, self-assured…
then life turned lessons one by one
to render mute my scissored tongue.
Those ribbons cut for others’ scores
came twice or thrice upon my head;
repeated penance - meant to tamp
excessive judgment uttered bold.
The rites foretold another chance
to learn, to grow, to choose for right
and I, in mind of all past deeds
took up the fight within myself.
Maintaining still this morphing hope,
as round I grope, for words to bless.
8
1
8