Will

author's note:

As a schoolboy, I heard the story of The Little Engine That Could.

An inspirational story.  A valid story.

However, in my adulthood, the challenge is experienced a little differently...


WILL

So often I've said: I can’t I won't!

though I know
there's really no alternative:

I can't stop and continue to live.

Apparently, before I left the womb
I made a choice:

the choice involves a yoke--

but why would anyone want to wear a yoke?

Especially when the yoke attaches to a plow--

why would anyone want to pull a heavy plow?--

to pull a heavy plow uphill?--

where one can build luscious green terraces
giving wide views of the valley
to sprouting bean plants...

I use this line of questioning
when I need to lead myself
back to the reason for this work.

But though I know I must...though I know it's best
I'm still small enough to feel: I can't I won't

so to ease my fear
and move my feet--
and soothe the hurt
from what I must accept
I say: "okay, I will
            I will for now."

I'm willing to be obedient
yet I also like to imagine
I actually have a choice.

© 2012, Michael R. Patton
searching for the new mythology