Old years like waves broke on the shore
a burnt sky felt both dark and gray
The winds had howled so cold and long
my soul was beaten night and day


I wonder if there was a time
when I could have turned right not left
And in so doing change my fate
thereby saving this heart bereft


But those are thoughts best left alone
to think on when there’s nothing more
As now we have the blue-sky smiles
bright summer,  red eves to adore


I find they are just our choices
that is which times we think upon
To live in pain from days gone by
or within the light thereupon


Our minds are what capture and keep
good and painful thoughts that abound
Should we choose to tolerate them
bad times will be our only sound


For me I choose the bright sunlight
spring times when I was but a child
The favored memories of days
when I ran torrid, fast and wild

Tate

Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/665818/