One moment in time; changes lives

In a way no one thought possible.

A moment so pure and yet so wasteful.

One instant—death, agony. Grieving.

You thought life was certain, but then…

One instant—perceptions change dramatically.

Thousands of miles away, tears ensue,

Felt by those who are near.

Yet, in some way, emotions are magnified,

Stronger, as if the ocean pulled them

With all its might to reach you.

To teach you a lesson in life—

The only thing that is certain is death.

Pessimism floods your heart for an instant,

Giving you a taste of its bitter sweetness.

You are young and the taste is foul.

It takes no hold on your naïve heart.

You watch as the sun makes its way across the horizon.

Beauty in a barren realm—red, orange, blue, purple.

Nevertheless, the dry air has long since filled your lungs

For the images are few—staying with you for so long,

Giving you that sense of your true origin.

Daily I notice your thoughts wandering back to that enchanted land,

Drawing from the experience brings a feeling not so distant.

Pessimism fills your now aged heart.

But the taste is sweet—it holds.

I shudder when you ponder your future,

Fearless of the inevitable end that will ensue.

Your just intentions make me proud.

--Wes Kipler