These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Possibilities

Some things exist, but some do not.
Each step will take us farther down the road.
Some hopes remain with some forgot.
The weighty things of mind become a load.

The life at twenty-one is gone.
It nevermore shall come, and be again,
but when this life is fin'lly done,
we'll know missed possibilities aren't sins.

The things we've done, and things we've left
most certainly are Wisdom from the Lord.
The hinder look will make bereft
the hearts, that need the blessings of His Word.

There must be hope, that still remains.
So, what's to do when senior years arrive?
Research your life to see what's plain,
and follow gifts, that on the vine survive.

Some books we write, and shelve for days,
or months or years or more 'til they be dim,
still we must light the fire and pray
with those, who stand with us and give us vim.

Can music be reality?
The tuba was my friend for many years.
The spinet has more notes to free.
The voice can choral sing, bring eyes to tears.

My knitting's new, my painting was,
photography has long since shuttered closed,
but scarves are made for needs because
so much of art is thought, not simply posed.

The possibilities are gifts
from God, Who made us with so much to do.
Each joyful deed the world can lift
right now, and when our breathing life is through.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 11th, 2023