I found and opened a small notebook

       that yanked me backward

       into a past I had forgotten

Those words i read had magic

       casting a spell that caused

       me to relive a lost me

I, for once, saw myself clearly

       floundering in self-delusion

       reacting in confusion and fear

That voice, through time

       was both humbling and assuring

       like an echo gaining truth

So I closed and hid that small notebook

       understanding why I had done so

       and almost anticipating its next rediscovery.

- Paul Malécot