a loop to avoid

At a certain stage in Life's development toward it's end
A phase of reflection may be entered which seems never-ending
Eating away one's resources and drive like a cancer
Causing regret and dissatisfaction to rise above all
And endangering defeat of Life's very object.

It is then that the path one has been treading all the while
Seems longer looking back, and darker looking forward.
Such a phase is a difficult one to pass through
And if one is not too careful can terminate in an endless loop
Every day reducing in diameter and increasing in priority.

It is from within such a loop that past decisions seem at fault
And that current surroundings seem inadequate;
Worse still, plans for the future fall victim to disinterest
And so much time becomes wasted, so much energy lost.
This entrapment must be escaped at all cost!

This stage in Life was reached through a progression of events
And these events must be catalogued and analysed if one is to break out
To walk on to face the next challenge that one is worthy of.
So - master control, suppress the apathy and apply some Logic
Take resolve and devote one's qualities to nothing and nobody.

Take up the saw and recklessly sever old connections,
Take up the hammer and nail down a floor. Do this with haste,
And do not look back, or down, even at your work of this moment.
Stand on the floor, a stable foundation, and build the walls
And do not build in any windows.

Build high, and when you have done, add a staircase, and a balcony
From which you can shout to the world and tell it
That you need none of the colourful paper tigers to guard your door.
For now you only need practical expertise when outside your field
And none of that weak and worthless intangible support!

FCTG : 23/10/86
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