We can get
accustomed
to being too
familiar
with the
familiar
paths in life
under the
mesmerizing
mood
of
moonlight
starlight
or
streetlight
and
wind-up
taking
unwitting
detours off
these
familiar
paths in the
light of day
and lose
our way.

snow falls like a million past lives
cold incessant
the yellow fire hydrant
wonders "what am I doing here?
it decides to leave
the snow bound streets
march off to the smelter
"What am I doing here?
"What good am I?
Here in the midst of winter,
What is my purpose?
"To fight fires."
an answer
from the infinite past.
"Don't run away don't give up
Some day, some how,
somewhere
you will be needed,
just not right now."

what the future holds
is consequences

one turn to left or right
thoughts to reject or accept
one more breath in after breathing out