Precipitous Ellipsis Poem by Robert R. Railey

Precipitous Ellipsis
(The steep but short way around)

The short way around can be more difficult than it seems for the climb could be steeper and the costs may abound
And we might even come to regret the fact that we even took the shorter path; for when it comes full circle, as it always does, then it's twice over to cover the same ground
Then it's one for good measure, and two for the errors, which can double the effort that should have meant victory
So we'd best pony up the front money now, or we'll pay later with worry and sweat on our brow
For when history repeats itself, as it oft times does, then the lessons we learn will mean more misery
Though at times, urges and inspirations will try to direct us as we try vainly to quite the insane thoughts in our heads; while at the same time, though, we'll try desperately to still the erroneous messages from the past
But what's more likely is that we'll proudly proclaim that no new ideas will be used by us; and since they're not ours, we'll not open that door
However, it's also true that life can show us the way as we watch Mother Nature perform her miracles annually
For as a rule, the tried and the sure ways are usually the best, but the youth of today will demand to choose their own destiny
Nevertheless, we'll try the new, repeatedly and oft, for the new must be better for its different, you see
So here's to the old, but also to the new, for what's better cannot yet be told; just show me the new, but then after it's been tested we might just replace it with the old
Or perhaps we'll just simply combine the two and make a real potpourri; and then whatever works best we'll take a stance