Can any one look back and say

that they have never made mistakes.

Or that their actions, at some time

weren’t foolish and now make them cringe.

 

Mostly we blush to think that we

said things or did some thoughtless acts.

That seemed so smart and full of wit

but now seem crass or in poor taste.

 

The rod we make for our own backs.

The guilt we feel for mindless acts.

The blush that warms a foolish face,

the picture of our own disgrace.

 

But luckily, from time to time,

we also do a few things right.

And taking strength from some of these

salvage our battered self esteem.

 

David Garlick, Victoria, 1988