I was once

I was once this person small
who when asked could not speak to all
One day I planted a tree to grow
and unlocked some interesting people to know

I was once a youth so shy
It took a teacher passing by
To have faith and introduce me
to be open to what I see

I was once a teenager fair
who lived life without a care
I spent some time feeling invincible
only one to raise a hand at the table

I was once in my twenties and above
I was one to throw my heart away to love
My heart returned broken
My dreams vanished unspoken

I was once in my thirties far away
I traveled to experience an Irish day
I sung and climbed stone walls
My barriers had begun to fall

I was once in love again
I married him who kept me sane
He and I had little ones
Now they rule my days are done

I was once a wife and mother
Sister, daughter, and then another
Sometimes my own worst enemy
I was once and always Me.

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Copyright ©️2025 D.M. De Alwis