Where Would We Be

Where would we be without a second chance? Will you ever forget that pit in your stomach? That hollow, empty feeling when 'The love of your life' walked out the door? Is life really over, is all lost, after one failed romance? Yes, it may feel that way for a while But then we take a deep breath Sigh a great sigh And move on to love's second dance What of the lad who steals from a store An apple, a bar of candy, or even more? Do we lock him up and institutionalize him Or find out why --- empathize with him What of the schoolgirl who plagiarizes For an innocent mistake -- forever stigmatized? Or do we simply explain her the duty to give credit When citing sources or quoting from the internet Learning how to drive all too often engenders Minor mishaps: Rear-enders or fender-benders Is that cause to give up forever -- an ignominious end? Or do we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off ~ and try, try again?! Recall now the humble beginnings of number twenty-three The greatest basketball player the world ever did see At age 15 Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team Did he up and quit the sport, or determinedly set out ~ to realize his dream?! Be it in love or in school, we all get played for a fool Pray tell, where would we be with no second chance? January 20, 2019 Entry in "Second Chances" Poetry Contest Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke