The world is hard enough 

When you try to navigate,

And you wonder as you wander,

At all the notions in your pate.

But life is even tougher,

Or that’s what I have to say,

When you realize it’s you,

That keeps getting in your way.

I feel as though I’m standing,

At a tall palin’ fence,

And I sort of have a notion,

Or at least I get a sense,

That I’m leaned down to a knothole,

And in this position I abide,

And I get a small glimpse,

Of what’s on the other side.

I see a life so glorious,

And just how it should be,

And I know that is it!

It’s what I want for me.

But I’ve grown so accustomed,

To only seeing with one eye,

That I refuse to shift my position,

And it’s so hard to try.

And the life I’ve known has set blinders,

My peripheral vision to shield,

So that I’ve given in to habit,

And to security I yield.

If I could only step outside myself,

And take a look around,

I truly know ‘t would be so simple,

The thing that would be found.

I’ve a notion I would find,

If I were only in accord,

That the fence through which I’m peeping,

Consists of just one board.

And I would find I could step over,

If I gained confidence to try,

For the board I’m peeping through, you see,

Is only two feet high.

And the “fence” with the knothole,

Is only six inches wide,

There are many ways, around or over,

To the other side.

But like a horse hitched to a railing,

Or tethered to a stake,

I’m tethered, peeping through that knothole,

And all for habit’s sake.

Is it that I lack confidence?

Or wisdom just to try?

I have to admit, the sight is good,

The bit that I can spy.

And I know I’m tired of stooping,

And squinting with one eye,

I’m tired of angry frustration,

And wondering just why.

To live a life unfettered,

How freeing it would be,

And it would be good for all around me,

But most of all for me.