Life is an adventure,

An unread script for me,

Yet something was still lingering,

A partner of sorts, you see.

I would feel its presence often,

But I knew not its name,

A mysterious companion,

It shadowed me all the same.

We were introduced long ago,

I had forgotten the encounter,

The world called my friend fear,

He knows me oh so dear.

My friend advises daily,

He protects me from the mire,

Yet, his counsel has restrictions,

From all things I desire.

I dream of a life,

One, without my friend in tow,

To live a life of freedom,

Things my friend will not let me know. 

Fear has been my problem,

His influence grows with age,

Maybe, today I will leave him home,

To finally find my way. 

-Duane Williams 2019