Have I Mattered at All

A name on paper, a face in the crowd

More or less than some I'm endowed

Broke some hearts, even though I vowed

Have I mattered, though, no, I'm not proud

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Too soft sometimes I have bowed

Too strong at times shouted out loud

Opinions I have disallowed

Have I mattered, though, no, I'm not proud

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Brave choices made when I should have cowed

Leaving a wake in the path that I sowed

Strewn dried leaves in the ground I plowed

Have I mattered, though, no, I'm not proud

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Warm winds belie the coming storm cloud

Nature takes no blame for what's disavowed

The guilt I hold, this umbrella won't absolve

Have I mattered at all, I admit I'm not proud

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Intentions fill a book left to lanquish, overcrowd

While pages are littered ashamed in shroud

Weathered with grief for what was allowed

Have I mattered at all, though, no, I'm not proud

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