“If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster.” ~Clint Eastwood

Guarantees

As I surf through the sea of web
And read the writes of others
A common theme that appears in
The writes of sisters, brothers

Is angst because they struggle with
A big uncertainty
They write how they want wisdom and
They wish for clarity

They want some reassurance that
It all will be okay
That they are not just wasting time
For all the things they pray

They want that peace of mind that they
See so few do possess
I’ve got the secret but it may
A few of you depress

I don’t have words of wisdom that will
Fill you with warm light
I cannot guarantee that everything
Will be alright

In fact, I’ll say the opposite
You’re in for a tough ride
Loss and suffering and death
And no safe place to hide

At times there will not be someone
Who’s there to console you
That God you worship will sometimes
Feel absent when you’re blue

Others will deceive and hurt
And put themselves ahead
Of you and everyone else and
Leave all of you for dead

And if you survive long enough
Your body falls apart
Think you have it bad right now?
Wait ‘till you’re an old fart

You’ll carry physical pain on
Your shoulders every day
You may even lose your mind as
All of your hair turns gray

You want a guarantee in life
That clarity will come?
That peace and grace will come to you
And help you not succumb?

That everything will be alright
And your angst will disperse?
The only guarantee I’ll give
Is that it just gets worse

Because that is the nature of
The weakness that plagues you
The lack of courage, strength and faith
That’s given you this view

You want a guarantee, just listen
To the words of Clint:
“Buy a toaster,” Eastwood said
With his cold, steely squint

Because he is a warrior
And fully understands
No one owes you anything
It all lies in your hands

You can’t control what happens but
You can control reaction
It’s your choice if you focus or
If you just choose distraction

Pain and misery and angst
Uncertainty and stress
All they do is distract from
The strength that you possess

So for a moment, clear your mind
And let go those afflictions
And focus on the positives
Your resolve and convictions

And maybe then you will get that
Guarantee you desire
That within you already is
Everything you require

                            ~Miro