Go ahead. Forget what’s said. You have your own suspicion

About what caused me to miserably fail and

Wind up in such terrible condition.

Yes, I was strong-willed, ignored words of wisdom.

Quickly tossed them aside as being from the “old school.”

Experience being the best teacher seemed to be the rule to follow

In order to remain being thought cool.

Patience a virtue? My day is coming later, I thought.

But it takes time and money to navigate the waters of this world.

Reflection – what happened to the navigator?

As I paddled and floated, I learned the language

That inevitably signals one drowning in defeat:

Dysfunctional home, parental neglect, ADHD,

Child /drug abuse, middle-child syndrome, low self-esteem.

While I floundered, sinking deeper, struggling to survive,

I saw the faces of kin no longer alive.

I saw Grandma making toy figures from clay.

I saw blind Rosie dabbing pus from her eyes.

I saw aunts and uncles I’d never known

Gathered and each telling of character defects

I recognized with surprise as my own.

I could go on, but what’s the use. No need.

I know who caused all my problems. I’m no fool.

I’m just thankful the lifeguard rescued me –

Kept me from drowning in my own Gene Pool.

©2010 Rosalie M. Taylor