THE ONE CHOICE

Not of my choosing, mother,
Nor father of my earthly form;
Not of my choosing to be young or old,
No other path is paved with gold
Through passive quiet or destructive storm.

Not of my choosing, sister,
Nor brother in my earthly day;
Not of my choosing that they dwell as I
Beside this hearth, beneath that sky,
And wake to find they've aged while still at play.

Not of my choosing, daughter,
Nor youthful son beside his kin;
Not of my choosing that I cherish them,
Or lavish kindness, or condemn,
And watch them lose this earthly race, or win.

Love of my choosing, husband,
Close kindred soul beside me bound;
Love that is honoured, followed, destined, planned;
Through Time's vast loom a woven strand -
True love that sought its own like self.....And found.