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Surely These Years



Surely these years of struggle have a meaning, an attitude

that will bring maturity to these visions I have sought out.

Surely I can account for inaction that would often intrude

upon the sincerity of motives only half thought-out.

I can assume the blame for many things, and more to come,

our destiny looks uncertain, our troubles grim and austere.

Surely these years of struggle will not leave us stunned,

consumed with generalities, obedient to countless fears.


I recklessly poured out my heart over thousands of souls,

and I shared the dreams of so many maligned friends.

I have been consumed and beaten by urges I did not control

that poisoned my world in ways I did not know or intend.

But now I acknowledge my many crimes and pray tonight

that some power I do not understand may redeem me here.

Surely these years of struggle will prove we were right

to have clashed so frequently with our many gnawing fears.