Degree, diploma, finished study say
yet then what course to follow is less clear.
One chooses stay at home or go away,
the comforts known or chance to pioneer.

Proposals, projects, dreams untried proclaim
but then demand upsetting settled ways.
One urges shameful myths be set aflame,
unfounded fears become consoling gaze.

Success, acclaim, a distant stage is seen
and then exploring all the world is need.
One learns and teaches wheat from chaff to glean,
prepared at last with confidence to speed.

Ambition, dripping blessings oils anoint,
both hesitates and hurries pass each point.

- Robert Stone, 18 September 2011