ODE TO A REBEL

          Ode to a Rebel
                 © 1979, Jack L. Mace

Why wend your way alone
    on paths so long and harsh?
You bend as one who's pressed
    to tasks Herculean.
Your countenance is dressed -
    your stoop reveals as well,
Raging emotions known
    but to such as your self.

You could lighten your load,
    but you choose the challenge
of the untrod, unknown.
    best primed to innovate,
You bend your steps alone -
    no entourage, few friends
To cheer, to smooth your road.
    A dream you have - but how:

          To inspire the masses;
          Re-cast dies of aeons.
          A task impossible
          A task you press upon?

Quick you see the conflict
    of love pledged - not given.
Quick you see the hurting.
    Tears you would wipe away.
Yet, how blind to grievous,
    piercing antimony
From those whom you'd select
    as fellow laborers.

"Rabid Idealist!"
    The epithet is hurled.
You wear it as a badge,
    fully cognate within
You travel in cortege
    with those since time began,
Those great "Idealists"
    who would change tides of time:

          To inspire the masses;
          Re-cast dies of aeons.
          A task impossible
          A task they pressed upon?

Flee you t'ward destruction?
    Or comprehend you not,
Comes it all from folly
    that change through you might come?
Love you, oh so dearly,
    the stress and pain within?
Flee you t'ward destruction,
    or comprehend you not?

But why Judge I harshly
    one I know not at all?
Or, do I truly know
    what drives you from within?
Know I the winds that blow
    across your heart and soul?
Why judge I so harshly?
    Your dream is truly mine:

          To inspire the masses;
          Re-cast dies of aeons.
          A task impossible
          A task we press upon?