this godforsaken path
that lies ahead
is one i’m impelled
to walk on

straight,
never meandering
opaque,
burning asphalt
lone,
such starkness
in a world of beauty

grow up
get a decent degree
get a decent job
(a white-collar commuter,
with half-decent insurance)
marry a wonderful woman
get a spacious two-story
in the heart of suburbia
two children,
one a boy, one a girl
invest in a midsize suv
grow up
retire with a cushy 401 (k)
watch my children
(and theirs)
graduate and follow
their respective paths
then
age and age and age
and age and age and
learn to take everything
in between with a pinch
of salt

go to the grave knowing
i didn’t live my life
(oh well)