The Present (Revised), 11/14 X10 Challenge Response Options

[Mary Boren]

"We are human beings, not human doings." -Neale Donald Walsch

The Present

I questioned life at every turn,
compelled by acts and deeds to earn
a starring role
in mine. Control
tenaciously eluded me.

In time I found a stepping stone
beyond the ego's comfort zone.
It marks the way
from yesterday
into the realm of now, to be.

No longer tossed by whims of fate,
I join the will to co-create
a vibrant here
devoid of fear
that thrives on peace and unity.

The present is a lavish gift.
It comes with hands to gently sift
the wheat from chaff.
Surrender, laugh,
forgive, and live abundantly.

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Original version w/ x10 challenge words in bold.
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I questioned Life at every turn
and wondered if I'd ever earn
a starring role.
Then, bless my soul,
elucidation dawned on me.

Beyond the ego's comfort zone,
there lies a polished stepping stone
that quells disputes,
connecting roots
within the human family tree.

No longer tossed by whims of fate,
I claim the power to co-create
my twilight years,
dissolving fears
and memories. No do, just be.

Accept the Present as a gift
to free us from the past, to sift
the wheat from chaff.
Divide by half
and share this winning recipe.

[Mary Boren]

Thanks much, Alan. Pleased to meet you. Heh, those words weren't so emboldened when I first posted, but I just couldn't leave it alone. After revising before anyone commented, I could have just deleted the original and any reference to the X10, but I wanted to leave it as a reminder to self to exercise regularly.

Merlin, I found that weekly challenge forum here. I guess we're about due for another one, so I'll be watching, and hoping you'll show up for it.

Yes, this jaunty little rhyme scheme and metrical pattern would probably be better suited to frivolity, but sometimes "think pieces" (jgd's term) go down easier disguised as light.

Mary