The past can hinder
it can hurt and
taint today and your
tomorrows
the past can’t paint
your life in colors
that you can feel but
that others see as a
much different shade
the past can be the
cross you bear
the hat you wear
a welcome companion
or unwelcome intruder
the past lurks, watches
sometimes smirks,
smiles unforgivingly,
frowns with displeasure
can be coolly detached
cockily taking the lead
the past is just like you,
only finished
Ponderable polemics, poetic 