Heather Pound

you must

[notice this please–i did not say should but must]

you must offer understanding to all of the versions of you

all the various you’s that you recall

stop holding them to that standard

that you expect of the one today

judging them now with older and wiser eyes

blaming them for what they did and did not do

the places they failed or caused you pain

when they were only young

instead be the kindest of kind

offer them a seat on the sofa comfy

pillow plumped behind back

feet raised

hot cocoa cup in hand

thank them one by one for all the adventures

you have journeyed together—and the things

that they practiced long and taught

perhaps you will be inspired again

by their youthful flair

by feet that used to twirl

costume sorted audience or not

celebrate their innocence and naiveite

that allowed them to believe the best

of everyone they met

you have things to learn from them

they have wisdom too

be especially kind to the mother of children young

doing the best that she knew how with no knowledge

of roads and curves that lay ahead

offer tenderness to the version that hurt

that absorbed and held much pain

she did this to allow the rest of you

to function

carry on

this one

that one

and all the ones in-between

they are important

they matter

they have led to who you are

they are welcome here one and all

and are loved

Heather Pound 2024