When all else fails and you feel lost

Do not dispare or give in to these feelings that drive

You away from yourself

Do not wither at the sight of your own reflection

As though you are staring at a stranger

Do not search so hard every line, every road

And unfamiliar track of time

Desperately attempting to search for answers

That cannot be forced

Do not stare into the abyss hoping for revelations

That will not come

Take comfort that you are still you

Perhaps changed with time

Perhaps a little worn

Like the sturdy rocks, feel wear

from the Even flow of water

Start at the beginning

Pick yourself back up again

Dust yourself off, like a familiar novel

Left to sit upon a shelf

Wipe your hand gently over the cover

To reveal the color and the title

Enjoy the feel and the scent of this classic

And begin the story anew

Open yourself and read the first page

As though it’s never been read before

Start at the beginning as they say,

With each carefully turned page

Read as though you do not know the outcome

With each chapter, immerse yourself as though you

Are not the author

And find new found joy and inspiration

In the story of you.

KEP 7/12/09