James Broughton: Having Come This Far

Having Come This Far

I've been through what my through was to be
I did what I could and couldn't
I was never sure how I would get there

 

I nourished an ardor for thresholds
for stepping stones and for ladders
I discovered detour and ditch

 

I swam in the high tides of greed
I built sandcastles to house my dreams
I survived the sunburns of love

 

No longer do I hunt for targets
I've climbed all the summits I need to
and I've eaten my share of lotus

 

Now I give praise and thanks
for what could not be avoided
and for every foolhardy choice

 

I cherish my wounds and their cures
and the sweet enervations of bliss
My book is an open life

 

I wave goodbye to the absolutes
and send my regards to infinity
I'd rather be blithe than correct

 

Until something transcendent turns up
I splash in my poetry puddle
and try to keep God amused.

 

— James Broughton