I Do Admit This Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I must admit,
I've gone through several personality shifts...
During my lifetime.
Finding those adjustments not so easy to take.
But glad that God took the time with me,
To make those growth periods...
Ones I now appreciate.

I must admit,
I've had great teachers.
Several I did not meet in classrooms either.
I've had close relationships with those,
Who taught me lessons to keep.

I must admit,
I miss my grandparents and parents.
Ex-wives and tight friends who in my life,
And in my mind....
Will always exist.
It seems those who were most interested in me,
Are gone.
And for some reason what they taught,
Has left me powerfully strong.

And I do admit this...
So much of their presence lives within me.
I feel them surrounding me constantly.
Whether this is memory or actual occurrence.
I must admit,
They've assisted in my endurance.
Leaving me to know I am blessed!
And admitting to myself,
What they have left has allowed my happiness.

I would not be able to live,
Without this admitted.