Six Off-Ramps To Nowhere

You came once more into my mind, my friend,
As time wraps up – first year – you did not bend;
Six ramps to nowhere go from road you’re on;
First three are passed, and three lie just beyond –

The point where now you stand; first year of law
Made you encounter life out there that’s raw –
Six ramps of exit out to la-la-land –
Of three ahead, there’s one that lies at hand.

They’re there for all, regardless of our course:
For four degrees they’ve taxed my scant resource;
For countless students I’ve helped on their way,
I’ve seen each struggle with temptation’s sway.

Not all for all, but one at least will call
That siren’s song on which great hope can fall;
And yet one word, one gesture, or one touch
From parent, friend, or profs, availeth much.

First ramp is social – “Can I make the shift
From quiet life at home? to fast-lane switch?”
“Perhaps just drive by on-ramp – give it up”;
Or on, select first exit – “It's too rough”.

The second, “Can I do the work required?”
“The standards steep to walk this road desired.”
First test is past if you continue on;
The second when exams show you have won.

The third temptation comes when you go home:
“Will they accept me, changed?” “I’ll be alone”;
“I sense a change in me” – “Too good I’ll seem” –
“I long to be the person I have been.”

When education takes us from our group,
It takes our life and throws us for a loop;
We may squeak by, pretend this test to make –
Regardless – off-ramp four we cannot fake.

For law, or any program we engage,
Society designed to force a change;
If we desire to rise up one more notch,
Then they insist we change – and they will watch.

We may sneak by – that just delays the rack
Of torture to our souls – the swift attack;
At least at school, support’s there when we pass
Through waters deep, and fire – to peace at last.

Then off-ramp four, “What does this new life mean?”
“What is its substance?” “Am I whom I seem?”
“I’m here – I do the work – I am okay –
But now – what of this road – my chosen way?”

Midway through program’s when these issues rise;
They only come if we this far survive;
It is the season of substantive change;
The secret? Enter in – with truth engage.

For truth is big – from us needs no defense;
We stand before it, choose which side of the fence
We dare to walk as we live out our lives,
As men and women – sometimes husbands, wives.

That falls away as off-ramp five confronts
Us with the choice of work, with brute affront
To dignity – we’re bottom of the heap –
The working world is rough, and we’re so weak.

A year of tough transition helps us ease
From academic life (now seems a breeze);
But somewhere on the way, there’s off-ramp five:
“Will I press on?” “Retreat?” “How stay alive?”

I’ve seen a few take off-ramp number six
When first five exits have by now been licked:
“If I’d just throw one course, one final quiz,
I’ll keep my culture,– where family is.”

“I’ll know I can succeed, but cost’s too high;
Without my people, I know I would die;
For all my kin are failures, they will see
I’m not a cut above – for I’m still me.”

Society insists those corners rough,
Get rounded off, they know it will be tough;
(You need not go that route – just stay the same
And live your life like others – that’s the game).

For those who wish to rise – to power wield,
Must to these preparations each time yield;
Each level up demands of us, “Submit
Yourself to God in Christ – and self resist.

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