Lessons I Unlearned

You never loved yourself and that is why
I try to love myself even harder every day.
The booze and smoking kept you sane at
Your lowest points, but that is why I turn
To friends or writing. You wanted to die
Today, but that is why I live in every ray
Of sunshine. You always kept falling flat
And gave up. You watched the edges burn
Away like an old photograph held to the fire.
I never wanted to follow in your footsteps
Or mistakes. I can never un love someone
Just because you did overnight. Years later
And I still never let the flame or the desire
Fade or dull over that time. I simply accept
The world and life as it when you were done.
I took my hand off the throttle and accelerator.