Another year has come and gone
miraculous the speed.
The voices told me as a child
to “Sow desire’s seed.”
I answered, “Yes” but planted trees
in earth well-tilled for others’ dreams.
Another year has come and gone
I know much more than then.
Still, the voices whisper
“If not now, when?”
I told them, “Soon – it’s close, so near”
but soon there came another year...
...has come and gone
hope’s seeds are wearing thin.
The voices speak, “The forest thrives,
replant your trees within.”
I said, “I know, your verse is clear
but my trees root themselves in fear.”
Another year has come and gone
Three decades plus passed by.
The voices speak in louder tones,
“Your dreams are soon to die.”
I wept, “Take hold, uproot my fear
for I won’t wait another year.”
December 1994
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From the poetry collection: