It’s Up to Me

It’s Up to Me

I get discouraged now and then

When there are clouds of gray,

Until I think about the things

That happened yesterday.


I do not mean the day before

Or those of months ago,

But all the yesterdays in which

I had the chance to grow.


I think of opportunities

That I allowed to die,

And those I took advantage of

Before they passed me by.


And I remember that the past

Presented quite a plight,

But somehow, I endured it and

The future seemed all right.


And I remind myself that I

Am capable and free,

And my success and happiness

Are really up to me.

James J. Metcalfe

Poem Portraits For All Occasions