The innocent reach out all unaware
of cuts and bruises soul and body take
when they adventuring as far as dare
discover what is true and what is fake.

The injured hesitate to test the new
from hopes and fears of being liked or scorned
when they too optimistic miss the clue
and rise or fall by fate with chance adorned.

The strong aroused by strains of you will rise
endure and cast their shade upon the weak.
The weak upheld by it gets better prize
the signs of courage shown by former meek.

The heart that only knows its own desire
will cast its loves into consuming fire.

- Robert Stone, 10 July 2011