He Started out a young boy

filled with awe-inspiring wishes and hopes,

as well as one big dream.

A glory-filled dream of fame and fortune 

quite like that which belonged to any other boy of 11.

A dream that came with great plans and deeds in need of doing, 

but also wrong turns and mis-made choices

as well as one big decision.

The forked path that lay before him

caused his sleepless nights, his restless times.

Should he follow his old dream from oh-so long ago?

Where fame and fortune lay before him?

Or is it another choice he must make?

Success hidden behind a closed door, where none can see it, none can know it

Until they have made their decision.

The young boy, now turned man finally made his decision,

and like a bird with new wings, 

overlooking the edge of the highest peak

he took a deep breath

and jumped!

He took the hidden left path

taking with him a great leap of faith

in all he had ever known.

And you've seen this man turned elder

on the corner of every street and road,

towing behind him his greatest world treasures

in a faded gray cart

with a smile on his face

and a twinkle in his eye

and his heart on his sleeve,

because he made the "left" decision

and now, is wise.

He found the happiness he hadn't been looking for.

He is the wise soul who answers when opportunity knocks.

He is the giver with nothing to give, and he gives it all away.

He is wise, for he is knowledge.

The left choice gave him the secret key that unlocks the door to the garden of perfection short of snakes and apples

with nothing but the bare, naked truth, standing before him.