Bon Voyage!

As you stand at the threshold of the future

ready to step out of the cocoon of the present;

your back facing the walls of the past

Remember to take the time to savor the ride and don’t go too fast.

The path ahead is unexplored and new.

Don’t forget to pack for the road, these essentials few-

a map, a compass, a box of tools,

and your manual of written and unwritten rules.

Don’t worry about the luggage weighing you down;

you’ll need it to find your way about town.

The well-traveled map will show you the turns and hairpin bends,

the crossroads ahead and the deadends.

The drill of persistence will help you drill your way through stubborn spots

Hold tightly to the wrench of resilience to get past the bothersome knots

Hammer down the jutting heads of trouble

And use the pliers to pick gems out of the rubble.

Use your compass of intuition

Before you decide to change direction

Refer to your manual of age-old wisdom

Turn the leaves before you try your freedom.

Do this every once in a while

And you’ll not waste time

going round in circles, down potholed roads you’ve already been

And hurdles you see will be those that you haven’t before seen.

Keep your eyes on the road as you drive

So you know every little detail of what you leave behind,

And are all the wiser

for the journey in the future.