Beginning at the End

With this me you're gonna get,
A better me, free of a sillouette,
It used to be tied to regrets. 
Livin with this pain I won't forget. 

I love me some early era rap. 
I can be a bit silly, a bit of a sap. 
Love an Ol'skool slow jam track. 
Why don't they make em like that? 

I'm a dad and still so in love with my babies. 
both adults now, but will always be my babies. 
It's been tough watching them grow up lately. 
But proud that they are both living happily. 

This me is aware and mindful. 
Compassionate and careful. 
Confident, not fearful. 
My mentality is playful. 
I was raised to be helpful.
This me will tolerate an earful. 
But above all, will be respectful.

This me listens without the intent to reply.
I have a great sense of "my" why.
If you need me, bet on this me to try.
I'll sit with you and together we can cry. 

Or we can chill in silence.
I can offer my guidance.
But there's gotta be balance.
This me has it down to a science.

If you let me, I'll try my best to see you.
This me is willing to just sit with you.  
I've been hurt before but will trust in you. 
Until you give me a reason not to. 

I believe laughter is a potent medicine.
I can sense if the laugh is not genuine.
This me is fully aware of my feminine. 
And I will continue being a gentleman. 

I am critically aware of all of my faults.
I learned my traumas, unlocked that vault. 
Full head of hair is not yet peppered with salt
I'm still young, but I won't do somersaults.

I value intelligence, I won't be played.
My emotional awareness is always displayed.
I'm an intellectual, think I don't see shade?
when it's intentionally thrown like a grenade.
I'll jump on it because I've been betrayed,
and nobody deserves to be compelled by hate.

My time is valuable, so I put an emphasis,
On who I choose to spend it with. 
Those who see my worth and choose to respect it. 
Get access to my table and can have a place to sit.

"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering" 
This me knew fear, I've been angry, I choose love, I'm restructuring.

Responsible for me every single day.
This me believes "This is the way"