It's Up To Me

I get discouraged now and then
when there are clouds of gray,
until I think about the things
that happened yesterday.

I do not mean the day before
or those of months ago,
but all the yesterdays in which
I had the chance to grow.

I think of opportunities
that I allowed to die,
and those I took advantage of
before they passed me by.

And I remember that the past
presented quite a plight,
but somehow I endured it and
the future seemed all right.

And I remind myself that I
am capable and free,
and my success and happiness
are really up to me.

- James J. Metcalfe -