Hide & Seek

Ready or not, here I come.
Looking, searching, wandering;
not quite knowing what it is I seek.
Wouldn’t it be best to make a list?
Define the parameters.
Learn the basics.
Know the players.
Study the instructions.

I don’t always want to play
by the rules. Playing it safe,
isn’t always playing.
Sometimes, it’s just going
through the motions.
Keep the wheels turning;
the clock ticking;
the turntable spinning.
That makes me tired.
I don’t want to be a juggler.

I want to, for just once;
let go – let it out.
Be me, right up front.
No apologies.
No holds barred.
Here I am, in your face.
Take it or leave it.

No hiding.
No self-protective actions.
No self-editing.
No self-deprecating humor.
No ambiguous remarks.
No second-guesses.
No Monday quarterbacking.

Sure, it’s scary.
That’s life, baby.
So many hiding places.
Who wants to search
for the unknown, the elusive?
Here today, gone tomorrow.
It’s worth the risk.
One never knows the outcome
ahead of time.
That’s okay;
not everyone makes it home free.

You think I can’t see it?
Doubt that I can find it?
Oh, ye of little faith.
I know the game well.
Been practicing since childhood.
No time limit here.
I may not know where to look.
But, I know where not to look.
Maybe I won’t find it.
Maybe I will.
That’s the beauty, man
I don’t know.

If I find it, can I keep it?
Maybe, perhaps;
the rules don’t mention that.
It’s a possibility, right?
Isn’t that the point?
Trying, seeking, discovering,
daring to go further?

Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred
(deep breath)
Ready or not,
here I come!