Progressions
an excerpt

The Author’s Way of Setting Forth her Book

When at first I took my pen in hand
Thus for to write, I could not credit
That I should write so many words
Of many things and would not edit

Well so I did; but did not think
To please my neighbour; no, not I
I knew not what the end would be
I did it my own self to gratify

To prove somehow that I could write
And in the process perhaps decide
What I thought of life and all that’s in it
To find my path then forth I’ll ride

I was disappointed in John’s book
The Pilgrim’s Progress first and second
Not exciting enough but some good ideas
A rewrite in new style beckoned

So from a start that stumbling fell
From my unsteady typing hands
I hope it became some words that might
Help you picture faraway lands

Provoke an emotion of one sort or other
Whether smiles or tears or feet tapping
Maybe you’ll laugh or weep instead
As long as it’s something I’ll be happy

Metaphor can seem clichéd
And old and tired and faded away
But if it helps let’s let it aid
And help us think differently today

Take things from another angle
You might see something new this time
Think about what you might do
If you were to write your life like mine

Have you slid down the Hill of Backsliding?
Have you been broken by Giant Despair?
Did you find something we have in common?
Did you see yourself in there?

This is more personal than I intended
Strong emotion always breaks through
That and when writing quickly
It’s easiest not to write something new

I still don’t know my own conclusion
Firm on the fence still I sit
Maybe you can tell me something more
Anything I may have missed

If you feel inclined and are inspired
Join me in my search for what’s true
No point in hunting all alone
With two we’ll get a better view

Overall, please enjoy the book
Smile and understand a little more
Find my jokes and laugh out loud
Look within and see the core

It’s a story with layers
Just like a parfait
With some yummy saucy bits
Spilt down the side, but, hey :)