The Agony Of Understanding Poem by Mary Champion

I unfold my memories of lost childhood:
deep reflections in an ocean of time,
obscured beneath the shadows of passing clouds.
When they are recovered - each proves mercilessly true.

Clear or beclouded images:
a kaleidoscope of emotions,
and fragmented episodes -
trawling through my chequered past,
staccato shots in monochrome.

As each one is brought into focus
I relive them in technicolour -
glass houses, shattered by stones of truth -
was I so young - so naïve?

At last I understand the pain -
the pain brought upon others by my immaturity,
my ignorance and inexperience.
I am shrivelled with shame
for wrongs I have no means to right.