THE GREATEST CHALLENGE
E-mail By Victor "The OwL" Turner Bio/Address
There you are, deep in thought
Striving to unravel the meaning
Unaware it is concealed inside a mirror
Daring not to look too closely
Afraid of the answer you'll find
Staunchly denying whatever else you feel
The loneliness haunting you everyday
Pursuing you as constant as a shadow
Only others can readily see
Though you pay so little heed
You have tried everything else
Just to feel free
To find the essence of solace you need
So many self-created idioms you've made
They've become so close you consider ‘em friends
The wrongs, betrayals, lies, and machinations
Wrought by your thoughts, acts, and lips
Each one revealing the essence of who you are
Deceptions so carefully laid unravel effortlessly
And, still you refuse to look into the mirror
Anger convincing you that you don't need anyone
All by yourself you stand against awesome odds
Inanely aspiring to gather hopes where none exist
Resentfully begrudging others' indifference
Towards your allotted destiny and fate secured
Every step made bringing you full circle
Back to your own self
Every dream foiled before it matured
Inspirations and anxiety embrace as lovers
Spending themselves at your cost
You swear you'd do whatever it takes
Except for gazing into the mirror
Because you know that'll cost too much
And, off again you go
Beginning the next phase of higher learning
Until, again, you find yourself wide-eyed
Staring at the mirror
Perplexed and exhausted you begin to cry
Wiping your eyes for maybe the thousandth time
You squeeze closed your fists in a fit of rage
The greatest challenge remains unanswered
Though constant as anything else can be
Awaiting your acknowledgement and acceptance
The discovery of who and what you are
And shall reveal the future possibilities
The secrets and mysteries of unfulfillment
Silently rest within yourself
You have told on yourself in everything and every way
Reflected to others like the mirror
The greatest challenge is knowing yourself.
January 15, 2002
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