My Santiago

Feeling is first

Since feeling is more than reason, Today I was on top of the world Because I felt good. Rested and alert on awakening, Ready for the moment by moment day, Through exercise and

At the morning coffee stand Back to my desk and across The mid-morning conversations To lunch and beyond.

I felt good!

And then I made a pact with myself That this contentment Was agreeable, Was a fair deal To be made for a lifetime ahead. No regression into fear Distress at words said and done, No readings into nothingness, No devaluing of persona, Worthlessness and loss of esteem! No need for that, These false gods of insecurity, No need for unnecessary pain, Life lived timidly And regret in hindsight At wasted years!

No!

Boldness be my friend, Sweep me up in your resolute arms, And lift me above the detritus Of the fearful ones, The wasted moments

The lost hours Utterly spent!

And then Come what may, Time will be well spent, Even stopped and lingering Over beautiful moments.