Contemplation

My life is a tale, hard to tell,
So many people come and gone.
Some not here, by fate, or choice,
Others remain against their will.

Our lives are shaped, by good and evil,
Decisions made without a thought.
A puzzle containing many pieces,
With no pretty picture on the box.

My story would require a myriad of styles,
The tone changing, from one page to next.
Names would be changed, to protect the guilty,
And spare the innocent, the shame of youth.

Some events wouldn't make the printed page,
Too dark for some timid eyes to see.
Better left in the darkness, in the back of my mind,
Better known to just an unfortunate few.

Most of our thens are lamented, when viewed from our better now,
Every detail extensively mulled over, and over, and over.
We dream up scenarios, saying "if only, if only",
Not seeing the lessons learned through the tears.

Yesterday is fixed, no change can be made,
Tomorrow is a million miles away.
Today is right here, in front of our faces,
A new chapter, waiting to be written.

Our stories are fluid, one line affects the next,
Great care must be taken, when choosing each word.
A life lived by happenstance, is no life at all,
But a series of accidents, all hit and run.

Selfishness brings on loneliness and pain,
For not only us, but also those caught nearby.
A life lived for others, shines light through the rain,
And brings a happy ending, to a once sad story.