These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

A Place, Called "Yes"

"I want to go and do this thing.
It really might be fun."
"You shouldn't go. A bee might sting,
and harm you somehow, Son."

"Or maybe I could go that place,
and work, and play, and do."
"That's not so very good apace
for one as slow as you."

"Well, what about a book to write?
I think that's really nice."
"Rejection there can really bite,
and charge your heart a price."

So many times I sit right down,
defeated and alone
when I encounter someone's frown,
and give them my life's throne.

So many times I would succeed,
if I would simply walk.
To take a step in grown-up lead,
to do, instead of talk.

Are there defeats, that I would know
when exercising "Try"?
Oh sure, but "Yes," is where I'd grow
to own the life, called, "Mine."

I have the chance to visit "Yes,"
but now this Terror reigns.
It screams to me, "Defeat, not bless!
You'll fail, and sit in chains!"

"That may be true, but facing fears
is what a grown-up does.
The child in me could sit in tears,
since bees are known to buzz,

"But now's the time to grow up for
so many times in past,
I've walked up to a lock-ed door,
and sat where strength was cast.

"Oh, SHUT UP, NO, AND LEAVE ME BE!
It's time to visit "Yes,"
and from your clutches, newly free
to love my life and BLESS!"

"So many times" are by-gone days,
that keep me from the bad,
and keep me from some good displays,
that I have never had.

To visit "Yes" may rosy be,
or I could slip on ice.
The brave ones there can newly see.
I'll take my own advice.

by Jay O’Toole
on October 23rd, 2023