Age 7:
to go to school and study what others know,
or stay home and in unforeseen ways grow？
Age 18:
to study further to obtain a prestigious job
or work while observing life as it throbs？
Age 20:
to believe what preachers or gurus claim
or to suspect that all statements about “universal truth” are lame？
Age 30:
to live alone & cherish self-sufficiency
or be with another, compromising constantly？
Age 40:
to remain with the same partner, even if it feels stale
or journey alone along unfamiliar trails？
Age 55:
to try to guide others to avoiding the same mistakes as you,
or recognize that nobody wants any guidance？
(Mistakes are part of learning and what humans do)
Age 65:
to pretend you “really matter” and your life counts somehow,
or smile at the emptiness of existence
and insignificance of all that is avowed?
Age 77:
to become ashes dispersed in the sea
or fertilize the land that nourished thee?