6/6/2008 (Part II)

What is it exactly that motivates us to continue on as people? As humans, we no longer get by on the need for procreation alone. Some of us find ourselves motivated by malice and greed, and others are motivated by the totally selfless desire to help others. Personally speaking, much of my own motivation comes from the desire to completely pull myself from the wide-cast shadow of my father. I know it isn't as bad in reality because you are always your own worst critic. So far, I think I have done a fantastic job, but it has been a bit like climbing a scree slope. As I climb to the top of my canyon's rim, I slide one step back down for every two I take. I am not a quitter. I have the desire to succeed where so many have failed. As large as my family is, I am only the second one to attend college. The fact that I am where I am is testament enough to my own will power. I was recently reading through a notebook, and I found a piece that I had written a few years ago during a hard time in my life.

"The Sculptor"

I sat and watched
As he mounted his throne
With hammer in hand
And chisel to stone
A bit crude at first
The boy etched my shape
He was thrown in too early
And cursed by fate
Using only these tools
He went to work
Aiming to progress
And fueled by hurt
Accelerated sculpting
It's a steep learning curve
It's amazing, how fast
The sharp lines became blurred
"Triumph is paramount"
His mantra assumed
He set his pace
And he paid his dues
Now, years have gone by
And the boy is no more
Left in his place
Is this hardened form
Weathered by wisdom
And crafted by time
He embraced this stone totem
And his life became mine
Now tougher and stronger
And built to last
Shielded from all
I turned from my past
I never looked back
To set an anchor in time
I must move forward
And take what is mine
And thus begins the story
Of a misfortunate joe
Who proudly crossed the line
And became the carver's stone