© 2000, Wanda L. Harrell 

Third Place 

International Poetry Competition 

Voices of Serenity 2000 

Shall I... 

Not touch a rose, fragrant and sweet, because of thorns, 

Nor feel the cool shade of a giant oak because of falling acorns? 

Shall I... 

Not behold a newborn babe for it might cry, 

Nor know the splendor of a mountaintop for it is too high? 

Shall I... 

Not let my spirit soar with the eagles for dread of falling from the sky, 

Nor know the river of dreams for apprehension it will run dry? 

In all of life's experiences, there is the possibility of pain or fear, 

But to stand back for dread of discomfort or a tear, 

I would relinquish the splendor that can also be had, 

For it is essential to experience woe to truly know glad. 

So, I plunge forward...into life, myself I shall immerse, 

For I cannot experience ecstasy without first knowing the adverse.