IT'S UP TO ME

I get discouraged now and then
When there are clouds of gray,
Until I think about the things
That happened yesterday
I do not mean the day before
Or those months ago
But all the yesterdays in which
I had the chance to grow
I think of opportunities
That I allowed to die
And those I took advantage of
Before they passed me by
And I remember that the past
Present quite a plight
But somehow I endured it and
The future seemed all right
And I remind myself that I
Am capable and free
And my success and happiness
Are really up to me

JAMES  J. METCALFE