Not born beneath a star, the thousands start
if lucky with a mother's first sight love.
Some hopeless that their chains may fall apart,
ignore ambitious dangers from above.

Success however small potential stirs
and possible sometimes becomes the real.
An archer with no arrow yet deters
less confident who soon defeated feel.

To choose a shimmering and sparkling cloak
disguises what will only be a while.
To live with mirrors flattering and smoke
like rainbow hues will end in death with style.

When darkness, hopelessness, and fear are rife,
how well a dazzling light can shadow strife.

- Robert Stone, 26 August 2012