I’m moving
on
past
the old
boundaries of
I do not do
that
I don’t
think I can
I’m too old and
I’m afraid.
I’m plotting
a new course
steering
clear of old distractions
three steps
forward
two back
taking the
time
to listen
and learn.
Pressing on
because I MUST
and sidetracked
because
I hunger for
what is comfortable
choosing
safety
quelling my passion.
AND yet, I
thirst
to make a
difference
to leave my
mark
to plant a
seed, my seed
in the wild
weed-ridden
misconstrued
fields.
Hoping to
turn wildflowers
into diamond
pink petals and
lavender lined
gardens
into a redolent
harvest
of hybrid
teas.
My arms open
willing to absorb
the risk
stir in a
bit of pain, discomfort.
I step up
into judgment
reaching out
past the wise ones
the kupuna who
have led me up to this place
the highest,
most precious peaks
in the shadow
of the Koolau
spreading their velvet-green robes
beyond
my
self-imposed
self-absorbed limits
crowning present
possibilities
seated upon this
pivotal throne.