On going back

There are these days
Of which I oft wonder
I reflect on times past
On days without number

Would things have changed
I wonder
If things had been different
If certain meetings missed
What should be replaced

A lifetime to imagine
If things had been
That are not now
Again

Yet toiled though I may
With such thoughts of dismay
I can't but help to think
It's all part of a far greater plan

One of which I can scarcely see
Or understand
Each moment whether good or ill
Remains yet still
A piece in the puzzle
Of that grander design

For moments unchanged
Through joys and sorrows
Change they the tomorrows
Of which we know today

The lessons then learned
Ne'er prolonged
Beyond their perfect place

Each trial and test
Passes through the flame
It remains
Though marred by its memory

Yet still it guides
The course of things
Still to come

May they teach
That of which
Naivete did not know

And then depart from all
To let it go
Out into the world
And chart a new course

For time may tell the tale
Of all those who prevail
Through the trough times
The tumbles and torrents

The wisdom of which
Doth teach to each
That narrow path
Which leads to understanding

For in its knowledge
Finds one some strength
And courage to combat
All that may to it
Yet come

-Joshua Lee Foist