Pole Vault

What could ever get in the way of
a man who had schooled his body to
hoist itself up, with a
wobbly pole that he
sticks in a shallow ditch,
to launch itself over a
filmsy arch that he is
not allowed to touch?

Who could have imagined such a
handy metaphor for the
esssential uncertainty
of life, the vanity
of all the complicated goals
we set for ourselves, and
whatever you're thinking now?

How will I ever be able to
take myself seriously again when
I know that no matter what else
I accomplish, I cannot do
that, and will never be
able to do that, even if
I keep on trying until
my wobbly pole is broken?