"Sticks, Saplings and Self Respect" (Poem inspired by Patrick Dougherty's "Stickwork" sculpture

Best intentions and life's plans can sometimes take a turn

Perhaps your brilliant dreams have now become a slow burn

Was college all wrapped up by age twenty-two?

Or did you drop out, move to the city and find out what's really true?

The path to finding family, love, and a career is a swirling quest

And your perseverance and loyalty will be put to the test

You walk through the sticky, tangled web to get to the other side

While writing your own story about how you laughed and you cried

The complexity of the interwoven sticks are symbols of your life

Cutting through your soul like the celeb chef's knife

Keep walking the crooked path and don't give up hope

Remember to steer clear of that slippery slope

The one that doesn't realize how unique and strong you are

Get back to the people who hold up your star

Maybe you don't always know what you want but isn't the chase a part of the prize?

You never can tell what's happening behind someone else's eyes

"Stickwork" Sculpture at Naples Botanical Garden - was displayed from 11/21 - 8/23. Artist is Patrick Dougherty.