Dubious Advice

by Sharon Scholl

Image credit: Frank Rolando Romero on Unsplash

Whatever grips you, lures you with a lasting power,

whatever keeps returning, though you’ve been told

it’s impractical, unlikely, too expensive,

what you still want to do, though you suspect

it will likely kill you –

Go for it anyway.

Even if you have to move away

from everything you’ve known.

Especially if it comes to you like the ghost

of Christmas past and taunts you.

Abandon all the sure things people promise,

what’s supposed to set you up for riches,

Family precedent, your uncle’s job offer,

your grandmother’s that’s no place for a lady,

and just do it, Don’t depart this life

with a suitcase of regret.

***

Sharon Scholl

Sharon Scholl is a retired college teacher who convenes a poetry critique group and maintains a website (freeprintmusic.com) of original music and poetry for small, liberal churches.  Her poetry chapbooks, Seasons, Remains, Evensong, are available via Amazon Books.  Her poems are current in Third Wednesday and The Bluebird Word.