After Charles Bukowski’s “The Laughing Heart”

“Your life is your life”
I am reminded
and it’s akin to telling myself
I’m in charge
I can make decisions and
I deserve nice things
all of which I have to remember
to tell myself, finally
after thirty years of guilt
and believing otherwise.
I have to remember
to let the light in
even when I’m not standing
under the full moon
that the gods will offer chances
if only I learn to know them.