Do. But not out of spite, or narrowed eyes, or envy.

Do. For the thrill, the fire, and lifelong camaraderie.

Not for a higher place on some ladder,

But for the sake of memories untethered.

Floating in the sea of consciousness,

When some distant breath will remind you of the spark behind all the fire you once breathed.

And the camera will pan to your jaw, a smile will form from a corner of your mouth.

And in all that emptiness, you will know something the words can’t describe, and it will be yours.

No painter or poet will steal it,

No companion will penetrate through it,

No friend will know to ask of it,

It will be yours, just yours.