To Go Beyond

The real world in our eyes

We move toward the sun

That brightens up the skies

As it rekindles our finite run.

Though the distance looms so long

And our odometers seem so slow,

Our patience must be strong

To fuel dreams that will drain low.

On the fringe of our earthly aim

A simple landmark fills our eyes,

So we make the passage to claim

Our sweet, well-earned new prize

We tell ourselves, "I got a hold!"

A nibble, then a much harder bite.

Then we pull on the sturdy pole

As the hook sets the strong line tight.

As we close on the final deal

Then weigh our hearty grab,

The things that we begin to feel

Turn solemn and strangely drab.

We should bask there in the bloom

Of the goal we at last attained.

But now we've just entombed

A wild dream forever tamed.

As we notch a bright new mark

On the belt of our expanding life,

The newest scar initials a start

For the next stroke of the knife.

The purpose of every happy soul

Is never wish a dream be gone.

Don't be glad just to meet a goal.

The key to life is to go beyond.