Journey to a Man
By Becky Lane Warner
Three-year-old Kyler wanting to know; asking questions, anxious to grow.
Always reasoning, deep in thought, questioning every thing he is taught.
Wondering about the world all around, trying to stand, on oft shifting ground.
So smart and inquisitive for such a young pup, never willing to ever give up!
Then as a teen, much stronger still, pushing the limits, coasting up hill.
Making a statement, “see this is ME!” Sacrificing approval to rarely agree.
Stomping around in tough army boots; of self reliance unfettered by roots.
Making his way, truth is his quest, struggling to find which focus is best.
Becoming a young man, freedom to choose, knowledge or faith, which one to use?
Testing dark waters, struggle to swim, happiness promised through desire and whim.
Excitement fleeting, heights anew, seeking of pleasure from a world’s point of view. Seeking success, reward effort sought; placid contentment and masking of thought.
Occasionally sensing a missing piece, harrowed-up emptiness seeks for release.
Finds inside the courage he needs to challenge temptation; a drive to succeed.
Faith, a decision, a new kind of passion, digging out habits in warrior-like fashion.
Searching for truth in a life well seeded, finding his peace as conscience is heeded.
Taking a challenge that few could endure, his well tilled soil is rich, if not pure.
Well fertilized by choices past, tilled under pleasures that do not long last.
Pulling up buried forgotten truth, digging up wisdom learned in his youth.
Pruning, trimming and hacking the tree, amending his statement “No,
this is ME!”
Off to foreign lands he does travel, treasures to find, and mysteries unravel.
Teaching a people, from whom he will learn, loving them, finding love in return.
A little bit older, still anxious to grow. Asking, seeking, and still wielding the hoe.
Sharing the secret of how to find joy,
such a man springs from my little boy.
