Then, Now, Forever Poem by J.C. Masa

Looking back at my younger self, I wondered
Why my peers seemed happier—and I discovered
It's because they grew up whole, even stronger,
While I had to grow on my own, without a father figure.

I was never taught what it means to be a man—
And it hurts more the deeper I understand.
I had a father, yet he felt like a distant stranger;
We tried to fix things, to make them better,
But the bond had already turned dusty and bitter.

I still love him with all my heart—I'm no liar,
But to him, I was nothing more than a background figure.

Maybe in another life, there's a love that lingers,
One that lets me breathe underwater,
Where I was never meant to feel this lost
In such an unforgiving river.

Still, I hope I made you proud,
That somehow I made you feel better—
Then, now, always, and forever.