Do you avoid the give and take,
  are you afraid to cut the cake

With hope now gone, one wish is left,
  the present strong—all else bereft

Are you afraid of yes and no,
  to middle ground do you still go

The mountaintop calls out your name,
  excuses haunt your stock and trade

With time undone and glass half poured,
  your cup still empties, false reward

The end in sight, horizon plain,
  one last choice calls—your soul to gain

(Villanova Pennsylvania: February, 2018)