So many live from day to day
Just passing time, whiling away
No purpose there to guide their way
Easily distracted, led astray.

What causes lack of will and drive
Is it so hard to seek, to strive?
Not doing so's thoughtless and deprives
The future of potential life.

Find what to love, invest the heart
Then till and plow, nurture that seed
Through diligence and working smart
Growth will be fostered, guaranteed.

A strong tree takes some time to grow
And so too will a worthwhile goal
Don't force things, work within a flow
Else tasks will surely take their toll.

Someday, as joyful children play
Relaxing in the tree's cool shade
Could this occur if care'd been shirked?
This legacy was earned through work.

But just as trees need roots to stand
So should foundations oft be planned
To build high with a meager base
A risky move and tempting fate.

Most worthwhile ventures aren't so clear
Men struggle, grow disheartened, quit
Life punishes those who lack grit
Recall this when hardships appear.

Still most will lag in comfort's shell
Being honest with oneself is hard
Though misery may leave one scarred,
A passionate life's a life lived well.

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Scarlatan, in the year 645 AF.