A birthday poem I wrote while sitting in my recliner at 3 a.m.
With all these memories and no do-overs An earnest glance in my rear-view I see the places I left, some people I knew I left some hurt and some pain there, too I see joy and laughter, and some sorrows And I see the worries I had about my tomorrows I see my skint-up knees and salty tears Wonderful triumphs and surprises, and some fears I see some happy moments throughout the years There are some jealous moments, too, and lessons learnt A few heartaches and some bridges I burnt I see newborns and funerals, some blessings and grace I see a good life lived, and some disappointments I faced And some things I hoped for, so long ago, misplaced But what makes this life of mine worth living Is the love, the receiving, and the giving God gave me this day to enjoy His splendor To be wiser and add more things to remember. I look in my rear view, and this is what I see Still, I am happy. Happy Birthday to me! -Toretha Wright (2026)