Brilliant cut

And so it comes.
That moment when you find
your dreams quite different from what you expected.
pure bliss interposed with struggle,
grief and loneliness,
and you end up resenting them.
In truth, the object of your desire is a diamond in the rough;
tougher than steel, and, although uncut, it is perfect in its own way
as each element in the cosmos is a piece of perfection.
Use this diamond as needed, but never take it for granted,
or it shall leave you -
lost in the sands of our vast world.
Should you lose it, you will spend years
if not decades
searching for a replacement
before you realize it is irreplaceable.
What's gone is gone,
and this is why you must take care of your diamond;
it is the greatest possession you own.

Brought full circle

Like a mother, you take me by the hand as I prepare to take my first, uncertain steps
down a road that is not yet well-worn.
When I hesitate, you look me in the eye and say 'press on.'

I look up at you, wondering how you could have such faith in me,
and I squeeze your hand, trusting you as I would trust no other.
Everything you have told me,
all you have given me thus far,
was in the right -
giving me no reason for doubt.

So I lift my legs, and bring them firmly down to Earth,
treading slowly but surely
and gaining momentum with each step.
Soon, I break out into a trot
then a canter
and then gallop down the road
as I realize my legs will hold.

My heart soars into the sky, beating wildly, frantically,
joining the birds that accompany us overhead.
My hands beat a primal rhythm,
keeping time with my pounding feet
as I get farther and farther away from you.

Then I turn back,
and see that you have tripped over a branch,
making no noise even though you cannot go further.
So I take you in my arms,
and lift you up,
carrying you down this forest road
back to our home, where I may tend to you
as you cared for me for so many years.

When it is your turn to walk, you hesitate, fearing pain;
I take you by the hand and command you; 'press on.'

Bronze

Not a dream, this time, but a wish;
In one hand lies a cigarette that never burns out,
and in the other, your hand in mine.
We pass this flame between us,
partaking of it as need be,
and watch the sunrise
for signs of the world without.