What if we go in
What if we go under
Where sunlight doesn’t reach
What if the guards step aside
And let us enter
What if there is light still?
How will we re-configure ourselves
How will we wrap ourselves
Within and around a reality
That is unending
What if there is a way
And we have already chosen it?
What if we surprise ourselves
What if we step aside
And let the mystery prevail
What if we are not masters of our destiny
But co-conspirators
In a great gamble
Of opportunity and chance
Where risk and reward
Are synonymous with play
And the consequence is freedom
What if the guards were put in place
By our own fear
What if they were never really here?
© H. Hennenburg, 1 July 2019
Posted for Poets United and their Midweek Motiff: “Poems to Weather Uncertain Times”
Copyright protected by Digiprove © 2019 H. Hennenburg
‘What ifs’ are like Russian roulette. I’ve given up playing because it got me nowhere.
What ifs can be tricky for sure. I like to live my what ifs without looking for answers. Just what if… It keeps my eyes and my heart open to possibilities beyond what I am capable of imagining. Sometimes, most often in the moment of asking the questions and every great once in a while in the form of an unexpected answer, I experience great joy in between life’s trials. I’m wishing you joy tonight and I’m grateful you stopped by and shared your message. Thank you.
This is so poignant.. sigh .. it is the many “what ifs” that determine the choices we make or don’t make .. I say we take a leap of faith .. and go for it 🙂 Thank you so much for writing to the prompt.
Thank you so much for leaping with me, Sanaa!
Wow. This is an insightful list of “what ifs” that make one consider options for action, resistance and solidarity – all participating in an unknown future.
Yes! Exactly! Thank you, Myrna. I am grateful for your presence and your hope.
WOW! I love this, especially “what if there is a way and we have already chosen it?” Sadly, maybe we have, but it would be wonderful if we all became co-conspirators. You write so well!
Thank you, Sherry! I like to remember that there are so many people making positive choices and practicing ingenuity in anonymity. I like to remember that each of us has made choices in the past that, in the great chain of things, might have come to some unknown greater good. Maybe we have things for which to be grateful that haven’t been brought to our attention yet. Maybe there is a way and we have already chosen it… I am very grateful that you shared your time and thoughts today.
Sadly we are always looking for answers when we must make them ourselves. In humanity’s case generally we have found quite a few and should be congratulated but sadly we have embraced more bad answers than good so have put the whole planet in danger. The important point is we must co-exist but sadly we are so stupid we think the answer is to destroy what can’t be utilised to advantage.
If we are to co-exist better than we do now, I think we must make more questions than answers. Thank you, “Old Egg”.
“What if there is a way / And we have already chosen it?” I think this is a comfortable space to be in.
To me it is not a space of comfort, but a space of hope.
Hi H! You ask the right questions. I especially like “What if the guards were put in place / By our own fear…” Very powerful piece!
Thank you, Khaya! I think we must learn to ask questions, be open and curious. I find it a very effective way to conquer fear and discover something new.
btw, I love the themes you explore on your blog. They are what I also aim to share. So, thank you for visiting my blog. I’m glad to make the acquaintance.
I thought the same when I was reading your blog. Truly pleased to make your acquaintance as well!
It reminds me somewhat of Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, with the turns of meaning.
Wow, Thank you so much, Rosemary!
Very thought-provoking poem!
Thank you, Sara!