LONELY AMONG MEN

 LONELY AMONG MEN

It can be very lonely among men.

One must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars

Before I am to be acquainted with the butterflies.

Yet in this endurance, I learn to see

The potential for transformation, in them and in me.  Ultimately, it is our job, to judge ourselves;

The most difficult job of all.

It is far easier to judge others, than one’s self.

In the mirror’s gaze, I confront my flaws,

Each imperfection, each hidden clause.

But through this scrutiny, I find my strength,

To rewrite my story, to go to any length.  Knowing, should I succeed in my judgment,

I am capable of being transformed and re-wired.

Like the caterpillar, I cocoon myself,

In solitude, I shed my former self.

Emerging anew, with wings to fly,

To chase the dreams that once passed me by.  Simply wanting to be admired for WHO I am,

Not for the masks I wear or the roles I play.

And when the moral character of an explorer is shown to be good,

One can delve into true discovery,

Uncovering the depths of the self and the world,

With courage, integrity, and a spirit unfurled.