24

24 seems so long ago, a lifetime of someone else
The life decisions so easily made in a moment
horizons of possibilities and endless promise
At 24, life decisions remained a guess

Choosing hastens eventuality of what was
Breaking through promise into reality
Settling into a colder truth of decision
And mixing with it the bittersweet of else

What else could have or would've been
Had the path less travelled been trampled
by my very feet rather than ignored
for fear, or love, or misguided naivity

What else could have or would've been
had I not followed my heart or lack of heart
in moments of life choice, so long ago
and yet so recent at the same time

now watching it slip through faster and faster
each day, not wanting to wonder what life choices
go by unnoticed today when rear view mirrors
reflect what already was, and what i might miss again

the gifts i have lie dormant and unwrapped again
ready by the front door for the receiver to take
and this time, maybe, keep for once, and cherish
rather than let it, too, slip away.

by Tait Lifto, 3/2/08