When Today is Yesterday

Poem by Ross Rosenberg

Time moves forward predictably
and with precision.
Tomorrow can’t be stopped.
But in the blink of an eye
today becomes yesterday.

Memories once encased in leaden vaults —
Formerly sunk
to the bottom of a murky abyss.
Springing forward into action
Releasing the electric charge
of the long-forgotten moment.

I move forward —
but the images pull me back.

You are here —
but haunted by the presence of the past.

I hear you whisper —
but startled at the scream.

I hear your promises —
but terrorized by lies.

I hold your warm body —
but feel a cold heart.

I am safe in your embrace —
but threatened by razor sharp weapon.

Stop! Identify yourself!
Are you the present?

If not, could you be the future?

No! You are the past!
Hidden in the hazy glow
of the here and now.

As a child, I wasn’t afraid of ghost.
But I am now.

~ Ross Rosenberg, 2/8/2003

Ross Rosenberg, M.Ed, LCPC, CADC
Psychotherapist, Author, Educator, Expert Witness

For more information visit: Self-Love Recovery Institute