Clouds Downstream

It used to be I would never ask why.
Now, I don't want to hear.
It feels repeated every time;
every week of each month of each year.

The same words
already learned;
words of wisdom
but kind of a prison;

Trapped within what's said and done;
not ignoring but wanting to run.

Viewing their cautions as bars,
I want my own boat and oars.

Set on the banks, in front of the current,
I'm prepared with the skills I've learned.
Breeze subtly guiding my way;
not strong enough to take all away;

Then, a wink from a cloud, exhibiting light,
and all I can do is keep it in mind.
Here, a weather-bred warning thy calling,
while against these odds I'm bearly crawling.

I see the storm ahead
at least its probability...
but I continue.

I wonder if I have the strength;
the ability...
but I continue.

I move off of the safe ground to the rocky stream;
imagining it better if fought as a team,
yet I ready myself for the waves
and search for my own road to pave.

November 9, 1992