Playing with the NaPoWriMo.net prompt asking for a “future” poem, and adding in the Poetic Asides call for a “warning” poem.
Theory of Relative Optimism
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Is it possible? That warning?
I’m no Einstein, but what if he was onto something
with that relativity business? No real difference
between the future and the past. Then, before.
Ahead, behind. To be, done. Imagine, remember.
Define hope: Noun — an expectation and desire
for a certain thing to happen. Verb — to want
something to be. To happen. Seems like
small magic. Wish, with your eyes
closed. Can you see it? In your mind?
That future dream, sketched with coloured
memories. It can happen. It’s happening.
It’s happened. Hope for it, again.
Define warning: Noun — a statement or event
indicating possible danger. Verb — to give advance
notice. To caution. Seems like there’s reason to worry
What did you know and when did you know it?
Have you seen it happen, before or after?
That past mistake, italicized, set in bold,
highlighted in yellow. It was right there,
foresight. Hindsight. Look, I’m warning you.
But I really hope I’ll be wrong. I have been in the past.