Mentoring Journey

Confused, trying to unravel, understand
Life's intricate, pictureless puzzle
Through tinted, frustrated, alert eyes.
Outwardly disinterested, sharp listener.
Moody, rainbow emotions, whaddaya know?
Verbal protests mask insecure, fragile.

Awakening seeds of greatness.
Bravado? Adolescence!
Persevere. Walk in their shoes.
Occasional blistering painful experiences
Threaten to derail envisioned images,
Golden, sun-filled days; dreamy sweat-stained
Mountain peaks triumphantly conquered.

A stumble - curses, swears, mutters -
Potentially self-destructing, downward
Spiral rears a tortured head.

Respectfully reach out, take a hand;

Smiling, wise eyes, whisper softly, sincerely,
"I believe in you!"
The nurturing journey continues.

Robin Cox