Life's Cauldron (The Search For...) Poem by Kurt Hearth

'Long Life's pathways
devoid of plotted course.
Times neither direct, nor
tracking, I navigate.
I take stock not, those
my stride overtakes, or,
my station bypasses.
'cross parched, arid plain.
Through jungle dank, and tangled,
picking my way I range.
o'er oceans deep and vast,
windswept or calm.
Highlands craggy, their peaks
caressing skies of sapphire tint.
Whatever hurdle or impasse,
presents challenge overwhelming.
Merely in time, my own, I search.
To reveal detour offering
passage, skirting complication.
I voice to zephyr but scant despair.
Within dense, shadow shrouded brake
I tread blindly.
Into the depths of snarled greenery,
I with my associate, folly, advanced
slowly. For in reality we sought.
Long concealed cauldron of Life.
Through dedicated trek,
in time, isolated clearing I neared.
small voice whispered caveat.
'Tread lightly. Let not sound,
your presence betray.'
TO view the arena clearly
some leaves I parted.

The scene I bore witness to.
Tremble, my body began,
fright washed upon me.
Two Immortals I spied.
Into a caldron their gaze intent.
Upon me it dawned!
My search had eclipsed!
Caldron of Life. I beheld.

Speaking in dialect alien to me,
they conversed. In time arose
into green brake both departed.
What had they observed and
their interest clutched.
Cautiously, opposed to caveat
toward steaming vessel I approached.

Beyond its rim I peered. Frightened, I bounded aback!
In that carboy, all Life's assignments.
Good or naught. I quaked at my revelation.
The past, present, future. And, my penance.
To reveal my discovery, not ever.
Futures t'would be altered, never
to be reversed.
I fled that place, my load to bear
judgment for curiosity foolish.