Five Easy Steps

Waiting in the checkout, I yawn and scan the headlines
“How to live your life in five easy steps”.

Me, I take for granted there’ll be nothing useful
Tabloid column wisdom—doubtful at best

If I had to give advice—a formula to live by
All the times I learned the hard way—to rise when I fall

And if I had to boil my views down—to tell my secrets to a stranger
It would be like making syrup from a grand old maple tree

Branches scar where they have broken, leaves get tossed by summer rainstorms
All the years it had to die back and regrow in spring

All the cuts to make the sap flow—wind stings through the night in winter
As if giving of its lifeblood makes pain taste sweet.

I never read that story—mind wandered from the headlines
We all find our own way after a while

Going home I check my rear view and see the twisted road behind me.
Long hard miles stretch out like gold thread into the sun.

Copyright Tracy S. Feldman, All rights reserved