Side Paths Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Forgotten outcasts stranded in lands of contempt.
Frozen, incapacitated, wanting more out of life,
yet not able to take the important first step
for whatever reasons they hold true in their minds.
Lifeless, ever aging in sincere doubts of themselves,
foraging alley's back roads not knowing or realizing
they can stray to paths of their own choosing.
Somewhere along the way everyone must decide where
they are going and make choices their inner self is
exploring.
Right or wrong, they may be altered, changed,
rearranged to fit the growth spurts age and maturity
bring.
Failure never enters permanent residence, because it
doesn't belong - never really fitting in.
Success is always right around the corner telling us
we have not failed, just begun a little later on, an
interesting side path, creating experience and a more
permanent knowledge.