Everybody has to start somewhere
At birth
The beginning of everything
Thrust out of the nest
Into this world's mess
Left helpless and begging.
Then comes the growing
Perpetual state of watching and learning
Each new skill and quest
Enjoyed and put to the test
But still a sense of longing and yearning
Long days spent simply living
Age brings change and with it decaying
Nothing new now but labour and task
Every day the same as the last
has anyone been listening to what you've been saying?
But what of the other journey?
The one that starts in crisis
The unfamiliar turning
No longer at the mercy of our own devices.
The young man following his dream
Is as wise as the oldest sage
In that moment of stepping out
A shining star at the dawn of his age
The eyes of the heart are opened
The way ahead is clear
He travels surefooted and unhindered
And free from all that clinging fear
What is a moment of selfless giving
If not the real beginning?
The kindled spark of inspiration
Like a leap of joy at the sound of singing
All that remains is to stay the course
Each step marked by a firm decision
A sacrifice of what could have been yours
Moves you onward toward the vision
And so like milestones along the way
Marking the way to the journey's goal
A choice is made day after day
To follow the new and forget the old.
Joe Morriss
31st July 2010
