Don’t judge the person I was but the person I have become
It may not matter much but I’d like to think I have changed some
I was a knucklehead, always angry and my soul misguided
My mouth ran off random insults, racially guided
Used all racial slurs like if it was normal for a Mexican-American
to verbalize hate to another when we’re all trying to be American
So many regrettable past actions that I think no one should forgive me for:
I’ve been a liar, a cheater, a thief, an addict and much more
I can only hope that every day that passes I make it up to the world
Maybe somehow, someway I can change someone as conflicted as I was before
Carlos, we respect you for your honesty and courage in this poem. It’s not always easy admitting our flaws, mishaps, and shortcomings to others, but it says a lot about the individual when they actually can, such as yourself.
Thank you for writing and sharing this poem with us to remind everyone that change IS possible, no matter who you are or what you’ve done. This poem is a great example of how self-reflection leads to self-discovery, which can then lead to growth and transformation. Awesome write.