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The Seminal Decision

A young man stood at the edge of a life-changing decision, Knowing not which direction was the better one for him. Not gifted with any helpful, foreshadowing prescience He recalled his mother’s words, “Always do what is right,” But, he thought, one does not always see a clear path, And how does one evaluate beforehand the aftermath Of unforeseen circumstances, of inevitable looming change? He wondered if he might return after many years; then, Regret that he had not chosen another course in life. Some choices offer themselves once, it seems, then vanish Into yesterday’s murky, hidden, lost forever, passages Where what might have been is no longer a possibility. A young man stood at the edge of a life-changing decision. Thoughtfully, he opened his scant storehouse of knowledge. He made the choice he thought, in the now, for the best, Set his path resolutely forward and later had few regrets Looked back upon that day with all its hopes and dreams The day he set a course for future success and satisfaction.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 4/15/2021 7:51:00 PM
Taking that Leap of Faith is what matters. Once taken, it can be taken again, and again. Once spurned, ... let's not go there. Much food for thought here. Thank you! :) gw
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/15/2021 7:55:00 PM
Thank you, GW. Yeah, but it's that "seminal" decision, like when I knew I was going to take the road toward the ministry instead of teaching. In retirement I have often wondered if I made the right decision...but that's a long story!
Date: 4/14/2021 9:13:00 PM
This resonates deeply with me. Sometimes we have to confidently take that leap of faith. Thank you for this well-written piece. Cheer! :)
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/14/2021 9:31:00 PM
You are very welcome, Ansar. Thanks for coming by and reading my poem. Thanks for your fine comment.
Date: 4/13/2021 2:32:00 PM
Reminds me of Frost's "The Road Not Taken," but with a more assuredly happy ending. Thanks for sharing!
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/13/2021 5:06:00 PM
Thanks, Kathleen. I probably should have cited Frost because, after I read it, I realized there is a clear allusion to his poem. I appreciated your pointing that out, too.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things