Retrospective

Retrospective


I stare at the face - my reflection -
and take in the map of my days,
as each wrinkle and line tells a tale,
part of a lifetime’s collection.

In choices, I see a connection,
reviewing them as I appraise
my decisions by lifting time’s veil,
subjecting each to inspection.

Roads chosen at each intersection,
paths followed that seemed so ablaze,
I now see as a source of travail
as love’s reduced to affection.

The pain of my own introspection
has me turning away my gaze.
I draw in a deep breath and exhale.
There is no road to perfection.

I stare at the face - my reflection -
and take in the map of my days,
as each wrinkle and line tells a tale,
part of a lifetime’s collection.

Notes:
An entry for the November round of "Invalid Item" 
Form: La' Tuin ▼

The poem consists of 4 lined stanzas. There is a minimum of four stanzas. The syllable count is 9/8/9/8. The rhyme scheme is abca, abca, abca, abca. Stanzas 2,3, etc must follow the same rhyme as in the 1st stanza. The 1st stanza is repeated in its entirety as the last stanza.

Line count: 20