taking chances

by Linda M. Crate

after the movie

last night

in complete and utter silence

an epiphany dawned

her lit candle

over my mind, 

i was 

reflecting on life and i realized

this isn't where i want to be

i don't know what i need to do or what i need to change

but here isn't where i want nor need to be;

each of us wants immortality

to live after we die,

but it is more important to help others and live before

we die—

that thought rested heavy on my shoulders,

and so i'm going to be braver than i have ever been

make and take chances

i never would usually make because i'm sick

of playing it safe

i need to stretch out of my comfort zone

get these books published

and climb those mountains i always thought i ought,

conquer my fear of heights

sky dive and parasail and take a hot air balloon ride 

to take a chance and talk to that cute guy

my mind has convinced me i haven't a chance in hell with

because in the end 

it is true

you only do live once,

and while this is no excuse to be irresponsible and to forget 

every action has her consequence

it is encouraging me

that i need to be bolder, to break out of my shell

so the yolk of me spills a deeper yellow

that my star dust

shines brighter than the sun.