Only One

to think, perhaps, to dream
of other times
other ways to be
different paths not chosen
futures unwritten
lives not lived
can be upsetting
it’s sad that we can only choose one way
there’s just not enough time for two, three, or four
opportunities to live right here and now
no matter how we wish it so
but this should cause us to sit back
slowly realize the beauty of our one chance
seeing new ways to smile, to find joy, to feel at home
with and in ourselves
that’s the point really, seeing each day as a beginning
something to celebrate
no matter how small
achievements mean nothing if you can’t find your contentedness
what’s the point if you’re always grasping
or wishing it was different
things are the way they are
now
understanding how to find kernels of happiness there,
that is truly the task of one, full lifetime