Life gives a map
some vital signposts
it leaves out-
you are landed
in doubt-
it's a test
of your ingenuity
how to make sense
of the missing parts--

wouldn't it be better
if you were to draw
your own map
and set your direction?
It might not
be perfect
but you can remodel-
your destiny
is in your hands
if yourself you trust
you will arrive
at the promised land
at last!

He who is bored denies himself

the joy and wonder of living---

he's already half-dead!

The fish knows not
the depth of the sea-
how can you measure
the love I have of thee?

Don't cheer me
my race has just begun
not for public show
only for myself
no one has to know-

every life is its own
its footsteps
it has to faithfully follow
in quest of its true self
to reach a meaningful tomorrow

I'm an unfinished product
I still have thousand miles to go
don't cheer me at all--
that's really uncalled for!

I have nothing
to give materially
in my paucity
but my heart
I can- completely-
my love, pray tell me
this paltry gift
would you accept readily
and unequivocally?

But words
I've abundantly
I can write you
my heartiest poetry
in eternal praise
of your grace
and beauty-

not just a few
but volumes
as though
in religious devotion
and unfailing duty -
daily and endlessly!

But if you were
to choose
what is princely
I'll set aside-
I can't compete
with the aristocracy

I'd know by then
there's no potency
or any persuasiveness
in my unworthy poetry-


I'll bow gently
my fairest lady
and promise faithfully
never again
to draw nigh
or to address thee.

Do not test
or measure me
I'm a nobody

thousands
out there
are more worthy

go after them
the cream and jewel
of society

do not target me
what you'll get
is but an unimpressive story

The poet feels more
of what he sees-
the ordinary person
sees but feels hardly-
that's the difference
between the banal
and that which is true beauty