Precipice - May 2 2025

 

Precipice

May 2 2025

I’m not so certain anymore.

No longer misled

by the arrogance of youth

and the belief that I’m invincible.

When I knew it all.

When I was destined for greatness.

When I acted rashly

but always with passion

convinced I was right.

And as I’ve learned

and may have known back then

you regret what you didn’t do

more than what you did.

Yet while there’s much to be said for humility, self-doubt

and open-mindedness

wouldn’t it be nice to have some of that certainty back?

Because if it's true

that youth is wasted on the young

then it’s even truer now,

when I find myself troubled

by the end of life,

the need for meaning,

a fear of what’s to come.

Or if not fear

then a mix of anxiety

and excitement;

standing at the precipice

of life's last great adventure,

the mystery

of whatever lies

beyond that dark veil.

Or is it all wishful thinking?

That there’s no other side,

no justice, reward, rebirth.

That there’s no second chance

and no one’s keeping track.

That nothing really matters in the end.

But youth,

whether squandered, triumphant, or misspent

is gone for good.

As will I, in the fullness of time.

Stripped of all certainty

and leaving world

just as I entered it;

knowing nothing

and depending on others

to usher me through.