My Friend (Esther 4:12-14)

“The water’s deep”, she spoke the words
The freshman student seldom heard,
“So once committed; you jump in;
You’re on your own – you’ll have to swim.

“So better you prepare your base;
Step back a step – I know your case
Allows you to come here without
Complete grade twelve – but here’s my doubt –

“You’ve got three kids; grade ten complete;
Your husband’s left – now on the street;
With Al-Anon two times a week,
It’s hard to all your deadlines meet.

“There’s rent, and food, and Christmas gifts;
Your car’s a beater – view your list –
It’s on and on from bad to worse –
Address your inner demons’ curse.

“One year at least, three’s better yet,
Step back, build up your base and get
Back on your feet, and fit to fight
For privilege, not just your right.

“You’re in a truck at highway speed;
You’re passenger with one great need –
To slip behind the steering wheel
For no one’s there. You do? You’ll feel –

“A whole bunch better ’bout all this;
You’ll drive your way – I’ll be remiss
If I don’t tell you this as well –
There’s sharks out there – as in the hell –

“You’re coming from – the world’s the same
To each of us – there’s little change
When geographic cure we try;
You’ll bring yourself – and this is why –

“I say to you the water’s deep
With sharks in it – pray God you’ll keep
Your focus on the dream within;
Step back, prepare your base, and win.”

The woman sat back in her chair,
“I know you’re right, and sense you care,
But how can I move on from here
Yet not succumb to inner fear?”

“Speed’s not related to our fear,
Or need not be – let me be clear –
I sense you’re running, terror driven –
Turn ’round; stand firm on ground you’re given.

“Address the forces chasing you;
Those handicaps of past remove;
Rebuild your base for daily life;
Into the dark admit the light.”

“I can’t – I have no time for that;
My cash is gone; kids lost their cat;
If I don’t take this open door,
I’ll lose them too, and so much more.”

“Wait – just a moment – hear me out –
You’re smart enough, of that no doubt
Exists within my mind at all.
But hear the word by which it’s called –

“It’s ‘University’– my friend;
Like universe – vast – without end –
It’s not just one small part of things
Like K to 12 – it’s everything.

Whole persons come and thus engage
Whole universe – not just some page
Of words with esoteric thought;
Half-here you are – bring all you’ve got.”

“Say what? I do not understand;
I’m here to join your merry band;
Who cares if past was all amiss –
Fresh start I want, and therefore – this.”

Advisor sat back in her chair,
Took in the woman sitting there;
“You’re me – ten years ago right now
I took that road, I will allow.

But at that time there were supports
For folks like us – there’s the reports –
But that’s all gone, sharks made the cuts
To budgets – took supports from us.

So yes, the rules will let you try,
But by yourself in here you’ll die;
I want you to succeed, my friend,
Not crash and burn with bitter end.

The lady said – eyes brimming tears –
I want to win, defeat my fears,
But how can I move on from here?
I need some help, for troubles near.”

“Okay, come back in one days time;
I know someone, a friend of mine
Who might be just the one you need
For such a time as this – in-deed.”

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