In the best of all possible worlds
there is pain
on both sides, and
we know this in deep
heart and brain. Between
fire and flood, we thread our steps
knowing we can't control what
hits us next.
So we walk in a world of
peril and dread. Between fire
and flood our paths have led.
Bad stars of disaster redundantly bloom
'til the wide, bright expanse shrinks
to danger and doom.
But what we can't control has not
got us yet.
If we counted the days
of good rain and shine,
we would have to admit
we get most of it fine -
Still, we look right and left
between fire and flood.
Rising high, choking out,
burning, drowning all paths
we imagine in mind, beyond
our control.
It gets in the blood.
It's enough to make us
wish we lived in the past,
where despite all the doubt
and confusion, then
- at least we know now
we came through it
aright, and whole. And
it all went by so fast.
