Poems From Inside Me

Family Poem

Growing Up

It took some time for the grown-up me to see

How much it really means to have a close family

I had lost in love, been burned by so-called friends

Even after I tried so hard to make all amends

I struck out on my own when I was just eighteen

And pushed myself to be fit and lean

But without anyone to help me do things right

My knees were blown and I was a ghastly, skinny sight

It seemed life had dealt me one awful hand

And why things then got so much worse I don’t understand

My sanity began to slip away

And I was put in the hospital for many a day

I got out soon enough and got a decent job as well

In my interview I didn’t mention I had been to hell

I tried so very hard to live the way I should

Eat three meals and take my pills and hope for the good

But soon I longed for my coastal harbour city

It’s true what they say, Vancouver is oh so pretty

But after six months passed without my pills

I suffered once again from an illness that kills

All I wanted then was to go back to my family

Some couldn’t help, the rest didn’t want me

But as time went on I lost my bitter bearing

And I don’t think my parents ever stopped caring

Then it happened, I met a young woman who I dearly love

Just as though she were a gift from above

Now I share with my family and hers a special bond

And express myself in poems in hopes this love will go on

One day I will pass from this place

I will have run the human race

And I can say I faced the worst and best

And that when it comes to family, I’m truly blessed

Leif Gregersen

May 4, 2014