Along the paths of life

Comes so much strife

But along with it is cheer

In-between all of the fear



And when we focus on this

Life can be so full of bliss

And the strife becomes less

As it overshadows the mess



And so then we can refocus

Well away from hocus-pocus

And look at all of the wonder

Which brightens the thunder



As this lightening of the soul

Shows us the way to it all ...

Then we can deal with pale

And then go to sidewalk sales



Losing ourselves in the splendor

Of arts and crafts of such wonder

Which others have displayed ...

Amidst all our troubles - stayed



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

12:12pm Thursday April 9th, 1998