Story Of My Life Poem by John Yaws

I've done a lot of thinking, but probably too late-
About decisions I have made, so often tempting fate.
About some bridges I have burned, I'd like to cross again-
Alas, as I am aging, I think about... back then.

I think about lost loved ones, I wonder, when they died-
If they knew how much I loved them, those emotions I did hide.
I wish now I could tell them, just how much they meant to me-
And return the care and kindness, I was too blind to see.

I walled up my emotions, a long, long time ago-
I called it self-protection, but now I just don't know.
Maybe when I started, but somewhere along the way
My heart grew hard and calloused and remains so to this day.

I'd say, I'm working on it, but I know I'd work in vain-
For all my good intentions, I find I stay the same…
The road to Hell is paved by them, at least I've heard that said-
Some questions won't be answered, Until after I am dead.

Looking down a wayward path, that I have so far trod-
I see I was protected, by the loving hand of God-
So if a change is made in me before I end my race.
I have no doubt the credit goes to His amazing grace.