Pondering My Mind

Two weeks ago today; my last day,
          After twenty-five years I walked away.
Cleared out my locker, said my good-bye's,
          Walked out the door into the night.

The burden I carried, I left there inside,
          Next to the door as I stepped outside.
That onus (burden) I carried, year after year,
          Was heavy at times with anguish and fear.

I shouldered it well most of the time,
          Occasionally stumbled, stepped out of line.
But, time has a way of healing the wounds,
          The hurt and the injury, the scar and the bruise.

Nothing was perfect I have to admit,
          Despite the illusions, I never gave in.
I bowed to the task, the ending grew near,
          Day after day, year after year.

Despite what it wasn't, it was what it was,
          It grew into something I treasured and loved.
It taught me the goodness of sweet simple souls
          Who worked in the night, while the rest slept at home.

After only two weeks, I hardly believe,
          How different it looks, how different I see.
When I was immersed, bustling about
          I sometimes saw clearly, truth sometimes came out.

Now I sit here and wonder, I ponder my mind.
          Why is "what is real" so hard to define?
In fogs of confusion that muddy the scene
          Truth is distorted and hard to be seen.

                                   Copyright 2013 by Layne S. Porter

Unfolding Miracles

Sixty-four and one half years,
          That is how long I have lived.
It is only now I realize
          The gifts life intended to give.

Gifts that were mine for the taking.
          But, I could never quite see
My eyes would not keep their focus
          On promises waiting for me.

Right from my very beginning
          When I could only cry.
Miracles were unfolding
          In front of everyone's eyes.

But, few were aware of the grandeur
          Blossoming in their sight.
To some it was a natural thing.
          It happens from time to time.

Miracles rise all around us,
          But, most go unnoticed you see.
Distracted and bothered by other concerns
          Miracles pass quickly unseen.

So many children, and parents alike,
          Aimlessly drift on a shifting sea.
Content that waves should be their guide
          With no choice of destiny.

At birth a child is beginning.
          On choices the journey depends.
Decisions will govern the outcome.
          The reward received in the end.

                                                      Copyright 2013 by Layne S. Porter