Footprints Poem by Jonathan ROBIN

Cast off passed footprints, seek to trace
vast mark unique on Future's face,
winnow Past's chaff from grain - no pain
proves state of grace.

Today, Tomorrow interlace
with gleanings which may interspace
time-line coincidences, vain
regrets outface.

Fret not against life's petty pace
sinned, snailed, nailed in mind's coffin case,
night, day, spin fast again, again,
'right' 'wrong' replace.

To learn, then earn need not abase
nor spurn in turn what helps life lace
limelight some steal, your own refrain
strong song sings, ace.

Infinite choices may replace
complaints, constraints, take time and place
as opportunities to train
heart, mind: erase
fears, tears, doubt-years, sincere is space
providing freedom from disgrace
or compromise for others' gain
in marketplace.

Tomorrow's footprints speed apace
momentum gain! No carapace
stands self-sufficient, free from stain,
sweet strain tunes bass
to alto as chromatic chase
around itself spins to embrace
new base to draw advantage plain
none may debase.

(6 April 2005 revised 9 November 2008)
for previous version see below

Cast off time's footprints as you trace
your mark unique on Future's face,
to separate Past's chaff from grain
proves state of grace.

Today, Tomorrow interlace
with gleanings which may interspace
the time-lines which for others' gain
tomorrow face.

Do not despair at petty pace
some snailed, nailed in mind's coffin case,
the Past fast spins again, again,
'right' 'wrong' replace.

To learn, then earn means not abase
to spurn in turn what helps you lace
the light you burn, your own refrain
you deem as ace.

Tomorrows footprints speed apace
momentum gain! No carapace
is self-sufficient, free from stain,
each strain tunes bass

to alto as chromatic chase
around itself spins to embrace
new base through which advances plane
none should debase.

(6 April 2005)