Retrospective

Retrospective



I stare at the face – my reflection -
and take in the map of my days,
as each wrinkle and line tells a tale,
part of a lifetime’s collection.

In choices I see a connection,
reviewing them as I appraise
my decisions by lifting time’s veil,
subjecting each to inspection.

Roads chosen at each intersection,
paths followed that seemed so ablaze,
I now see as a source of travail
as love’s reduced to affection.

The pain of my own introspection
has me turning away my gaze.
I draw in a deep breath and exhale.
There is no road to perfection.

I stare at the face – my reflection -
and take in the map of my days,
as each wrinkle and line tells a tale,
part of a lifetime’s collection.



Notes:
An entry for December 8 of "A Poem A Day Contest"  [E]
Prompt(s) Used: 2 and 3
Prompt 2: Charles Darwin said “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once a week." Write a poem about what you would do if you could live life over again.
Prompt 3: Write a La’ Tuin Poem. The poem consists of 4 lined stanzas. There is a minimum of four stanzas. The syllable count is 9/8/9/8. The rhyme scheme is abca, abca, abca, abca. Stanzas 2,3, etc must follow the same rhyme as in the 1st stanza. The 1st stanza is repeated in its entirety as the last stanza.
Line count: 20

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken