This Path I Walk Before Me Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I understood,
The moment I opened my mouth...
You'd become upset,
By what was said that came out.
Premeditating impressions expressed,
Is not what my life is about.

Nor I am not here to protect,
You from the wilderness met.
Or will I carry your baggage...
On my back to ease your steps.

This path I walk before me...
Has no guarantee.
The unknown ahead...
Isn't easier to see.
Or allows me to breathe,
With more freedom to comfort...
Your insecurities.

What I am living is not a rehearsal.
For a performance that seeks your endorsement.
Or block from your ears,
A reality faced you can not bear to endear.
Nothing done that I do is on a practice run!