AT THE CROSSROADS
H. W. Bryce
At the crossroads of last year and the new year,
I stand looking back, looking forward.
Which shall I be? Last year’s old man, all
Worn out and disillusioned, distraught,
Or the New Year baby, alll hope and energy,
Everything new and sparkling, dripping with faith.
Last year’s new tracks became familiar ruts,
Confidence wore down by ifs, ands and buts.
Next year’s trail is yet to be broken, through
The long grasses, thick forests, raging streams
And high peak mountains. Through it all, reams
Of chances. Do I take this chance or that?
Do I need a steel-lined hat? Is my compass true?
Standing at the crossroads of last year and next year,
In that nebulous, silent traffic stop of Time,
On the eve of Night, or Break of New Day,
Not knowing to be nostalgic or chance that continuum of Time,
To be captive in my habits, or to set new rhythms – to rhyme,
To play it safe or dare to face my fear, and all of that
With but a nanosecond to decide,
To admit to my weaknesses, confess my wrongs,
To play the fiddle and listen to the gongs,
Or hum my OHMs and own my pride, take that ride,
Chance that wave, make new life songs…
I know you find it difficult to imagine such a world
Where Love is offered in spite of hate aswirl,
But there are still good people left in this crazy
Troubled world, good things are being done,
People are still having fun.
So go ahead, my friend, Imagine. Set your mind to
Imagination, ride the bumpy ride and take the crossroad
To the right, and help to build that brave new world.
Leave the mundane rut-filled, troubled time,
Set new pathways, invite your friends
Hold out your hand, and I will take your hand,
And we will help to lead the way to that
Imagined new way of living, loving, helping
Each other out, in good times, and in bad.
But, true to its nature, Time awaits no one,
And so I am drawn into the future, willingly
Or unwillingly, and so, I decide to go, yes,
Willingly, into that waiting future of my life.
With hopeful expectancy and pregnant thoughts.
So go ahead and imagine. Imagination will
Take you to where you need to go. It will.
If you can imagine it, it can happen.
Learning new traffic patterns—
Hey look. Young people, and old, are still falling
in love. Nuses ae still braving the virus,
Hour by hour, doctors are still doctoring each case.
There are revivals in embattled USA
of the old random acts of kindness, eh!
Countless people are still taking lost folks in,
Shelter from the storm, respite from the war.
Yes, my friend, you, too, may dream, so go right ahead
And imagine. Imagine that better day and make your bed.
Countless acts of bravery under duress are
Being made each and every day. Police are still
Protecting, children are still childering, helpful
Hands are still helping, loving hearts are still loving,
People are still seeing you, and you still matter,
And you still have love in your heart to scatter,
Yes, and a helping hand is still more powerful than
A fist, an encouraging word is still more helpful
Than a dressing down, music is still a healing
Force, more powerful than any storm awheeling.
So go ahead my friend, dream. Dream big. Yes,
Go ahead, Imagine. Imagine that magic world
Beyond the road to peace. Go ahead, imagine.
Yes, you have that right. The future can be bright.
Imagine!
