The Accomplished

Accomplishment is no end,
Just another step.
It’s a beginning.

What can come from
The work of the one?
Can individual accomplishment even be?

Filter the view
Of the young person’s accomplishments
Through her influences.

Mother’s unfailing, unconditioned love and
Father’s unyielding authority and quiet care
Foster compassion and self-discipline.

Influences negative
Flood in as a torrent-
So hard to avoid.

Influences positive
Drizzle in as sweet nectar-
Too many take only a taste.

The accomplished has learned
To drink of the sweetness,
Seeking the source.

Brash, foolish adolescence
Eventually yields
to sage wisdom.

The yielding spirit
Finds that hard work
Is the next key.

The toil can be rough.
Though supported, the
Journey can be lonely.

The moment of accomplishment
Comes so quick
She wonders if she’s ready.

Already the moment is here
The toil seemed so long,
But time to savor is so fleeting.

From her many beloved, the
Question that so easily rolls off…
“What’s next?”

The accomplished must
Immediately steel herself
For the next toil.

Wait!
One thing must come first,“Thank you.”