Choice

there is no fate
or destiny
no master plan
or grand design

just choices made
and chances missed
when we confront
life's fleeting gifts

and then we feast
on just rewards
or dwell upon
our past mistakes

for we have this
one life to live
and how we choose
will set its course

Lives

a simple life
of good and bad
of friends and foes
of faith and hope

a private life
of doubt and shame
of love and loss
of joy and pain

and then we live
a public life
for all to see
for all to judge