Nothing so Promising

There is nothing quite so promising
As a brand new box of crayons.
Each brand new wax character
Holds so much possibility.
What will they become?
A doctor? A doctor's coat?
A cat, a dog, a tree, a boat?
Will they play nicely with others,
Or dominate their own stretch of paper?

Each new box of crayons holds so much inspiration.
So many colors...almost too many to imagine!
So much hope, so much joy....
How does one small box hold so very much?
How can a cube of cardboard,
Frail, yellow and green--
Make me smile so broadly?

I apologize to these crayons,
Only because I know their fate.
Severe heat, death and burning.
But they will re-emerge as phoenixes from the ashes...
A beautiful piece just for me--
Their names will have some meaning,
Each will resonate in my mind and soul.

Piece one is for my past.
On life and love...
The first attempt
Is not always perfect.
Is not always what you expected,
Not always what you hoped and dreamed for.
But if you are careful and listen...
The first attempt is where you learn the most.

Piece two is for my present.
On life and love...
The second attempt
Is much different than the first.
Is not always perfect...
But this time you know what you need,
Or at least you have a better idea.
This time is much more faceted,
There is so much more promise this time.
This is not always the last attempt...there may be more.
The second attempt is where you feel safer storing your heart.