the re-read

I re-read my words 
to try and remember the time 
but ultimately I remember the mood 
that goes with every rhyme. 
In some I smile and bask in the joy 
that comes from when the writing is done. 
In others I relive the darkness 
that had enveloped me then 
when it encroached on my soul 
but as I wrote those words 
I was finally able to let it go. 
I don't know what people will see, 
what they will read, 
what they will eventually 
believe of me. 
But if they could identify 
and know those moments 
inhabit us all…  
Then I did my duty 
and it was worth it all.

9/18/21