How often is a "this" way "the" way fixed
upon the one who grows into that way
without a clue to good and bad so mixed
the same can lead to flourish or to flay.

How seldom is the better new embraced
by one who fears to seek another path
without a map upon which sure is traced,
not knowing sure is only sure for wrath.

How daily is the chance to change ignored
by one who does not hear encouragement
without a hint of points which closely scored
would tally up the worth of hound on scent.

The partner self-persuaded of the truth
will only be a narrow focused sleuth.

- Robert Stone, 3 April 2011