Trading Up

I told them where I was
once
and where I am today.
They scoffed
and assured me that
my Then couldn't hold a candle
to Now.

I wonder if they are right.
Or if they speak of a
hopeful superlative.
If they knew what I left behind
in my lives previous
to this one,
If they saw what once was,
maybe their claims would change.

Most likely not.