On the highway of life
there is danger and beauty
and limitless manifestations
of both hate and love.

You may pass billboards of anger
or mountains of happiness
purple and shining.

Traffic jams of despair
and storms that over work the wipers.
There will be pitfalls and pit stops,
Scenic vistas and starless nights,
and so many risings and settings of the sun

The wealth of the universe
all paved in gold
and chased with silver
meandering like a million rivers
refracting a billion suns.

But the road lies ahead and not behind.
All that awaits over the next horizon
is easily missed when your gaze is fixed
on your rear view mirror.

It’s true retrospect is the mother of all growth.
When it becomes our sole focus all is stifled and stagnant.

Love your ghosts.
Know they exist.
Give them a smile when you see them briefly,
then throttle down and eyes forward.

Drive with your ghosts, for they helped shape you malignant or benign.
But never let them take the wheel or provide the directions.
They like to travel avenues you’ve already traversed and have no further need of.

Drive with your ghosts and watch the road ahead.
Your mirrors are for safety and not navigation.