A Difference
A Difference
A young boy stood there, arms folded, without a care,
When up walked an old man, wrinkled face, white hair.
They studied each other closely, the wheels turning in each,
And the old man thought, “There’s a lesson here to teach.”
So a question he did ask, already knowing the proper reply,
“What would you make if you had only one try?”
The young lad stood straighter, as if challenged to fight,
And decided that a quick answer just wouldn’t be quite right.
So he thought, with a furrowed brow, and a long minute ensued.
Then the words came forth for the answer he’d construed.
“It would need to be big, so that everyone could see.
That would be a reminder, and they would all think of me.
I’d put my name on the side, lit up in letters big and bold,
So that, to future generations, my story could always be told.”
Then he leaned against the wall, with a smirk upon his face
And the thought inside his head, “I’ve put that old man in his place.”
The old man looked wistfully, contemplating the lad’s supposed win.
Then his eyes lit up and on his face there came a grin.
“Young man, that’s a good answer, but sadly you’ve missed the mark.
For you see, buildings will one day fall and bright lights will soon be dark.
So if you had only one try to make something of any substance,
You should take that attempt and use it to try and make a difference.”
Copyright © Tim Daniel | Year Posted 2017
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