I come from a different direction Am not familiar with the way Creatures who have passed before me Are quiet ones; they have nothing to say I cannot be held back by frivolity And will continue as I have Not knowing is the excellence of the travel A truth that many others have But they have not come along this path I see no marking by stone or on tree An episode, original, is pleasing to me Not knowing the outcome; cannot see I have embarked with laughter and tears Never knowing if I should perhaps return The mysteries of life are strange indeed and Here is so much ahead of me that I will learn I tremble not with guilt and not with fear All of my dues were pain; the slate is clear Persons left behind whom again I may never see Dear ones, sweet people, folks that I hold dear I listen now for guidance; I would rather not stumble Will not retreat; my decision was made I have faith in nature and in the Father above By fortune and determination, I will make the grade Stanski June 19, 2021 ^