For those of you who never found
in the box of proffered choices
anything that fed your soul
Who turned back sadly
While others raced towards goals
for which you had no interest
For those of you who never thought it fair
to have to settle for the duties of the day
Who couldn’t bring yourselves to care
for all the regulations of the game
Though voices of authority intoned
“Grow up, assume your role, and play”
Take heart, for that same discontent
Reveals another world beyond the game
A place where all your heart’s desires are met
Where what you are receives its right acclaim
What you must give may not be found in stores
May not be priced and parceled, stamped and screened
But it is real, and when you bring it forth
It starts to map the world for which we dream
Each of your earnest hopes affirms the presence
Of your beloved, unarguable essence.
©Wendy Mulhern
August 6, 2012