When, in retrospect,

we study the paths

our lives have taken us, by choice,

it's often hard to fathom

why we chose what we did,

and second-guesses soon find a voice.

If, in the end, Time's unkind hand

leads us not

where we would’ve preferred to be,

then perhaps our conscious mind

was blind,

and only in hindsight, can we clearly see.

Who can understand the full extent

to which our actions

dictate our lives?

Not knowing the future,

one can only plan, and,

in doing so, wait -- ‘till tomorrow arrives.

By what margin did we Chance elude?

By what fickle stroke

of marvelous luck?

To what choices do we owe our thanks,

or, in learning we’re puppets,

by imminent Fate be struck?

Perhaps, then, ignorance

truly is bliss! And pondering

can only vex the mind.

Fall not prey to “what ifs”

and their insidious kin;

Leave the past where it belongs: Behind.

~ C.L.R. ~