That Golden Promise

^{By Annette Gagliardi}

That golden promise of perfection

If only . . .

A declaration of nirvana—

The assurance of ascension into symmetry

How deftly the pledge beguiles --

How smoothly expectations transform

This weighty subject.

Then, guarantee broken . . .

I beg forgiveness -- my shortcomings.

Every indication convenes to denote the promise foretold.

Nevertheless, I acquiesce

And begin anew.

Dream the Golden Promise is true

And fall again into depths of despair when I fail to measure up.