Sometimes I wish I had an eraser
to wipe away the mistakes of my past.
From the moment I wake to the fall of the night,
each regret will everlast.

I should have said something different,
I should have been a bit more nice,
I could have been a better person,
I could have been more than what would suffice.
I wish I took a few more risks
and prayed on the roll of the dice.

Instead, I’m left with monotonous memories
of what I could’ve done instead.
I’m left with apathy,
I’m left with guilt,
I’m finally left with all but what’s right.

As I reflect on my face in the mirror,
and in the water in my glass,
I realize I shouldn’t omit everything
or erase each event that would pass.

An underline for each thought I hold dear,
a mark to show how I’ve amended,
to show growth and acceptance
is better than pretending it hasn’t occurred.

Instead I emphasize my fondest memories
to be proud of what I’ve done.
I’m left with fulfillment,
I’m left with nostalgia,
I’m able to look back with a smile and take a step forward

Now I reread each line, prioritizing the underlined, acknowledging the unedited,
and no longer try to be discreet.
What good is a good person’s character

if it’s only on a blank sheet?

 

written by Edmund Garcia

reviewed by Saanvi Gutta

 

Jackson, B. (2020). Broken pencil in exam, business meeting or interview stock photo [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/broken-pencil-in-exam-business-meeting-or-interview-gm1206615953-348061220