The Lifelong Adventure...

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The Lifelong Adventure

A Short Poem

by Aurum

Copyright © 2021 Aurum
All Rights Reserved.

A young boy sets out on an adventure that would last a lifetime; he hoped it'd be a pleasant journey that lasted for eternity. He traveled for years without any woes; that is, until he reached the crossroads.

To his left was a path that looked mighty fine; to his right was a trail obscured by vines. He'd long since heard to take the path less traveled by; but before he went right, a hidden path caught his eye.

Below the cliff was a perfect place he could spend forever; he'd have gone if the leap felt just a little safer. The landing was surrounded by jagged rocks; and so soon in his journey, he was not crafty like the mighty fox.

Stricken with fear he lost his nerve; the boy was quick to run for the safest fern. Without even noticing, he'd gone far down the fine path; filled with remorse the boy forgot how to laugh.

Although this path was so easy to follow; each day caused him to feel ever more hollow. After far too long he tried to return; only to realize each step caused the way to burn.

However, the boy would not be dissuaded; so he circled far and wide growing more frustrated. He wandered so long he lost all sense of direction; but he kept hoping to see the way if he continued with his careful inspection.

The search lasted years until the boy met a guru; the wise-man said was already too late to undo. The boy asked, "How can I keep going down the path I never wanted?" The man only said, "It beats standing here feeling haunted."

Since that day he keeps going, but with eyes so dead he looks like a wraith; his only respite are dreams of what could be if he'd taken the leap of faith. But even so, the boy continues his lifelong ordeal; he walks towards the hope that another cliff is just beyond that hill.


Bonus Poem: So They Say...

Dwelling on the past is a recipe to live in misery; but is it not better to grow wise than live in serenity? Just know that regret is a poison for the mind; but you should tell that to my reflection reminding me of mistakes made long behind.

You must accept what cannot be changed; but the consequences leave me feeling slightly deranged. Don't worry, time heals all wounds; but time is why my soul is like war-torn battlegrounds.

You are beautiful the way you are; but only when people look from afar. It'll be a new day tomorrow; but then it'll be one more night of sorrow.

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Comments

I've been thinking about what I shouldn't...

Aurum's picture

...and this is the result. I call the top one autobiographical because it eludes to the events clearly written in "Eternal Despair". For those truly curious, I consider the cliff to be having stopped puberty by my own hands, the vine covered path to somehow have convinced my very conservative parents to get me the help I needed, and I walked the clear path which was to pretend like I wasn't transgendered and then miserably try to transition after puberty screwed me royally. The guru could either be considered my female therapist or my young best friend, regardless, it was definitely not a wise old man :D

The bottom poem was just some venting or something. Not sure why or where it came from. The top line was a false start for the original poem, but I was able to expand it into a mini-poem easily enough so I included it.

I find myself in the same

Rose's picture

I find myself in the same place. I give thanks for the fact that I have beautiful kids and grandkids. I've been blessed as my wife is tolerant of my condition -- and I'll take what I can get there. 1F601.png

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Hugs!
Rosemary

Glad you have a supporting family!

Aurum's picture

That's awesome you were able to work it out with your family and keep that support in your life. Too often the story is just the opposite. My best friend and his family truly accept me so I have one of my own. My parents are... well they're tolerant, but not sure how they'll handle when I go full-time.

For me, it's the height, hands, feet, voice, and adam's apple that trigger my regret. I may have had some issues no matter what, but I always go back to that memory and believe they would have been less so. Oh well, just need to keep climbing the hill ;)