Ropes

The ropes are strong and thick,
bound to stone by an iron ring,
they have purpose,

to hold you close to shore,
to provide a safe haven for a night
and then cast you back to the river

where currents and wind
carry you to your destiny.

The ropes are strong and thick,
bound to stone by an iron ring,
they have purpose,

to hold you close forever,
a prisoner against your deepest desires,
your hero’s journey

Where currents and wind sing your destiny
and leave you for far shores.

The ropes are strong and thick.
The mere sight of them is daunting,
the stuff of inquisitions and dark fairy tales.

They bind more from fear than the fibers
wrapped around your soul. They wait
for you to untie them and set sail,

to believe currents and winds are your destiny,
faraway lands that await you,
unknown, fearful, glorious, a lark’s song in the night,
proclaiming the dawn.

About this poem

We all have things that hold us back. Life becomes an adventure when we untie the ropes and leap into those things like a child leaping into the river, full of fear and glee.

Tom