I wrote this poem the day I left Procter and Gamble, 15 years ago! WOW! I was scared. I was excited. In so many ways, it was the day I became a professional adult. Before then, I was "taken care of" by the big company. I wanted to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
I came to the very clear realization that I didn't want to live someone else's story.
I desperately wanted a story of my own.
I wanted a story that I could would be proud to share with my sons.
I realized that what motivated me most, was the unknown, the original... and specifically, the opportunity to create something that was truly original.
The only thing original about me is the journey I have followed... It is what is unique about all of us.
Every morning I wake up, a little more ready to leap, a little more excited to fly! Someday... Someday soon...
I read it and I share it often. I remember writing it as if it was yesterday. I love moments of change, moments of fear, moments of raw emotion. You know you are in one of them, when poetry, art, or whatever your passion, flows out of you unfiltered. I have never really "let go". Every time I have "leapt" I have found a new ledge. They have gotten more exciting.
I have learned and I have grown, but have I flown?
I have jumped off of the cliff, but I am still yearning to fly free. I still dream about fully letting go. I still dream about flying... And, I will!
CONSEQUENCE
I am the author,
Life is my book,
my only work of art.
Every chapter of my story,
has had passion in its core.
Every sentence of my glory
calls out for something more.
I have lived all of a lifetime,
with my spirit as my pen.
As of late, my hand has slowed,
I must find my drive again.
With this chapter quickly ending,
there is fear that must be penned.
Though I know one thing is certain,
my book will not soon end.
Ultimately the uncertainty,
of my personal tale,
gives my heart the courage
that I … shall not fail.
I must now, go write,
For as I write, I will grow.
And, I must go learn,
Leaving those whom I know.
You see, I am the author.
Life is my book,
my only work of art.
“As I lept off the cliff, leaving all of the gold,
I opened my eyes … to look, to be bold.
All based on this dream, that I had long ago…
I believed I could fly, and to fly, I let go!”
Nestor Benavides 8/99
The thing that I have always loved about writing poem (and, I have not written very much), is that it is like recording your emotion. When you read the poems years later, you feel what you felt. You remember the emotions so clearly...
What do you dream about? What are you writing about in your book?
You are the author!
Nestor Benavides