Beyond my vision
Scouring fields from afar
I search for the one
Who searches not for me
But for where I should ultimately be
He sees his life as his eternity
Filled with infinite possibilities
I view my life from behind
Focused on a singular critical nexus
Previously known as choice
If I should draw near
Call out to him so as to
Paternally advising of hazards unseen
Laissez-Faire governance of purpose
Solely under the auspices of guidance
I weigh my good intentions
Against unintended consequences
If I may take hold of his navigation
I (I mean we) might transport back
Using second vision, seizing second chances
However, I do understand
What I discard may be worse than what I find
I have no experience with this level of meddling
Will not petition for absolution should I fail
And cannot rely on old memories should I succeed
The hour is nigh
The time of reckoning
A twist of fate
For two to become one
I speak in tones he acknowledges as his own
He offers his attention and listens
The old sage dispenses advice
Most is too bitter for him to swallow
But medicine as mine is worth the effort
With each dose he perceives as beneficial
He begins to visually appear transformed
Fuller, heartier, more evolved than before
I, however, am becoming transparent
Losing coherence, losing validity
For I am the guardian of the path he no longer covets
He accepts my wisdom as nourishment for his growth
He earns no memories for years it takes to be so
He receives no scars from my trials
Others would trade for such benevolence
I am nearly exhausted from the exchange
He weathers my tempest well
Advancing his physical strength
Broadening his intellect
Seasoning his wisdom
Greedily, I break the contact
To take stock of my creation
The cost of this encounter saps my soul
A soul never once alive
A soul ever deserving of sapping
Life is a journey of infinite possibilities
Not a forgone destination scheduled for a single review
I blazed a trail to pathways unknown and of meager profit
What I sacrificed is a pittance for what he procured
Learning to follow some, but not all, steps before him
ABOUT:
Andy Betz has tutored and taught in excess of 40 years. He lives in 1974, and has been married for 29 years. His works are found everywhere a search engine operates.
POET'S INSPO CHOICE:
Prologue - S.MICHAUD