This poem was written for the summer writer's group that I attend each year. The topic we were given to write on for the next meeting was "Fundamental", and this poem was the resulting piece.

We are born into this world
With a fundamental principle
Instilled within our being.
As we go through life
We build upon this basic principle
With materials available to us
And tools that are at hand.

If we neglect to build our house
Upon the foundation we are given
It will be covered over
And hidden from the world
By indigenous growing forces
Like moss or forest plants,
Which may look beautiful
But are not of our doing.

From time to time
We will remember
Our true foundation
We'll scrape it down,
Make it clean and clear,
Ready to build our lives
Into what we are meant to be.

We must build upon our own foundation
Not let others do the work.
For the building mush show
Who we are and what we have learned
While living here on earth.

As we gain wisdom
And choose better materials,
Our building will become stronger,
Requiring a touch of renovation
Now and then as we learn new lessons
On our pilgrimage.

We are born with a good foundation;
Let us build a good work.