Life Before, Life Now by Aramantos

Winner for December 2022

I don't recall life before the portal.
I often wonder who I was then.
Even my first years after stepping through
are but a blur in my mind's eye.

But I've since witnessed the unforgettable,
things hardly to be imagined,
moments I could relive a thousand times over
and still be left breathless at the thought.

I've watched city's come alive, made new,
people flocking to the protection of their gates.
I've watched as alliances were built and broken,
friendships mended and bridges burnt.

I've seen mere mortals obtain the powers of gods,
and gods fall to a fate beyond Their control.
I've witnessed, through teary eyes,
the tragedy of losing dear loved ones,
and the beauty of reawakened hope.

I've held the hands of my own children,
and felt the concerns of a father.
I am a husband, a friend, a partner, a city mate.
There are many new persons I've become.

I've experienced the joy of new friendships
and the pain of a broken, regretful heart.
I've gazed upon the beauty of the world
with the knowledge that I am but a strand
woven into an unending tapestry.

Who was I before? Does it even matter now?
Would it even make a difference to know?
I would not trade the life I live,
for the knowledge of a past easily obscured.

I don't recall life before the portal,
and though I often wonder who I was,
I have no regrets. I have no wish to be him.