Oh, how these chains do bind me
far more than those ever imposed by others
for I have forged these links I bear
with my own heart, passion, and soul
And, does it really matter
that I had the best of intentions
during every event when I decided
to add more rather than less to my burden
I've worn them so long
that I almost considered them to be natural
and is it not amazing and troubling
what one imposes upon oneself
So, how does one begin
to unravel these numbing constraints
and move truly forward into the light
with a gentler set of self imposed bonds
Could it be as simple as looking
at each segment of one's own creation
and then deciding which ones are worthy
of being a part of whom we wish to become
Because after all , if one cannot allow
one's own ideals of oneself to come true
is one deserving of assistance from above
in becoming the best that one can be
So, I have decided to begin the journey
of self discovery and the trusting of my inner voices
which I have denied for far too long
in my quest for immediate gratification
And, I realize there will be some bumps in the night
and some unpleasant realizations
about whom I've allowed myself to become
in the here and now
But, if I'm ever to reach my goals
do I not have to begin
with who am I
and where am I going

dennis j hopkins
7/1998
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