This one is for a kid who is remarkably lazy and unmotivated. Some people seem to believe that “promise” means “promised”. This is of course not the case. Nothing is promised, even where there exists great promise. One way or the other, an effort is involved in realizing the potential of ones promise. This particular breed of potential manifests when one applies oneself to the task of of its development and refinement over an extended period of time.
Of Promise
Promise waits for no-one
and refuses to be known
by those who sleep in ruin,
who refuse to learn and grow.
Promise is the angel
who will never hear the pleas
of one who hides behind the
skirts of mere velleity.
Promise stops, however,
to listen to the soul
that struggles ever forward,
ever focused on the goal.
Promise sings in shadow
and will only come to light
for those who work to find her
where she plays just out of sight.
Promise gives no refuge
to the one who has no care,
who floats through life dependent,
weak of will and unaware.
Promise stoops to succor
him who stands and bears the weight
of tragedy and sorrow,
striving hard to change his fate.
Promise is potential
that will only sprout and grow
when fertilized with effort
and well watered with regard.
