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Statement

Some will cast
Away the past
Days gladly.
Emerging from basement and multiple store,
These few.
The auger-minded,
Will brace their limbs
To the cloudless hymns
Of the morning.

Eager,
Steady in grace,
Ready to face
A wilderness of winds
For to-morrow's sake.
They will turn
Pulses drumming,
Fists clenched.
To the future.

Though many shall fail
And many shall fall
To the baton
The judge
And the circular cell.

Some,
Struggle-worn
Reaching the focal point
Where past and present dovetail
Intent on toil
Will drive foundations
Through the thick-ribbed soil

And others,
Learning this
The sun full on their faces
Will take courage
And join them.

—J.D.F.