Wasted Moments

There are wasted moments
when I was afraid.
Afraid to set myself free.
Free from the stigma
that had been implanted in me.
It was for someone else’s guilt,
but I lived with it and suffered,
never letting myself be me.
I was constantly told
if you do this or that
you will bring shame upon the family,
but they were frightened of their own shame
and wanted to burden it on me.
I grew up afraid of being me
and setting myself free,
doing the things I should have done,
but never did.
Now I live with regret
for the wasted moments in my life.

15 April 2009

poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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