Common Adventure

author’s note:

We’re all on the same team.  But right now, it looks like we're losing.


COMMON ADVENTURE

I wanted adventure
and though my resume
may seem rather tame
adventure I have had—
I’ve endured many rocky seas
while walking on dry land.

Every day I work hard
to calm my waters down—
a challenge compounded
by the turbulence
I see and hear and feel
all around—

everywhere
I see people struggling
to stay on their feet
as the waves grow wilder.
And the waves grow wilder
because we shake with fear
as the waves grow wilder.

Our dragon breathes beneath the surface.

Yes, quite an adventure!

But what could be the purpose of this trip?

Based my own experience
I now believe:
We come into this world to build our strength.

How Can I Live In This World?: poetry book
dream steps blog
myth steps blog
you tube channel
© 2026, Michael R. Patton

Fortunate Descent

author’s note:

I think all human beings are courageous.  To some degree.


FORTUNATE DESCENT

When the overseers scanned our group
they saw my legs shaking and realized
I needed this trip—this ordeal—
more than any of the others.

Now as they turn the crank
my little basket slowly lowers
into the deep ravine.  Slowly

the rock walls disappear
behind gray cloud
and I begin to hear
a strange bass murmur
echoing up from below.

Down there, I will explore for all
and with luck, return to give a report
on what terrors and delights
one can find in the dark depths.

I am filled with cold dread
as the light continues to dim.
Yet at the same time
my heart thrills in anticipation:

on this trip of discovery
I’ll be forced to find my strength—
maybe afterwards I’ll finally accept
I’m not nearly as weak as I think.

mythsteps · Fortunate Descent

Common Courage: poetry book
dream steps blog
myth steps blog
you tube channel
© 2024, Michael R. Patton

Ocean Adventure

“And if you have not been enchanted by this adventure--
        your life--
what would do for you?”
        -- Mary Oliver


OCEAN ADVENTURE

I once believed
I’d missed my chance
for a life of gusto and adventure

then I realized:
though the air I imbibed
was sometimes dry
I have always sailed with full sails
because I’ve breathed deeply

and when moored, I often explored
the dark depths

and didn’t shut my eyes
when shocked
by the creatures I discovered.

What a grand voyage!--
I’ve landed on many unknown lands.
I’ve steered through countless storms

but I must admit
I occasionally wrecked.

Yes, I’ve survived br> a variety of calamities--br> this dim captain has been lucky.

Unlike some who’ve navigated
these seas with me.

But I guess it’s wrong
to think I’m the fortunate one--
after all, they’ve gone on
to other adventures.

Well yes, but I doubt
their new journeys could be
any more wondrous
than the wild trip they took
on this mysterious planet.

Common Courage: poetry book
dream steps blog
myth steps blog
you tube channel
© 2023, Michael R. Patton