wouldn’t it be wrong not to mention joy (a poem)

**This poem was written as an assignment for a class I'm taking this summer through Hamline University. I was given the bolded words, and then had to formulate a poem around them. This was the result.**

I didn’t think I’d ever see the shore again.

The homecoming harbor, glistening,

        arms spread wide to welcome me.

A beacon in this world so uncertain, reckless, and gray.

The sky above, crying for the ones this sleepy town has not yet seen return.

This mountain town, catching a glimmer of hope with every sunrise

That those gone away might have found a new home, and are happy there.

Do I ever stray far enough away that it would be impossible to return?

Or am I always to remain here, in the end.

Supposedly, it is more fruitful to bend like the fruitless willow,

Leaning to sniff the summer rose.

I suppose, that would make more sense.

It’s not too much to ask to embrace a little change.

It’s not so light out that I’m able to see what’s ahead,

But maybe I should embrace the darkness, too.

Sometimes the stumbling block is the best teacher.

Shows you your strength, your perseverance.

I think I’ll put down roots in many places

And let the mystery make me.

I am here, after all.

h