we plead the ninth

by: emily ishimatsu

i often dream, late nights alone
that i could have more lives to live.
perhaps one day to take life on loan!
three, or five, ideally nine they'd give.

ah, yes! to have 9 lives, just as a cat.
what glorious idea we have in that
to live all sides of every hope, dream, wish.
a full array of lives consumed on 'ere dish.

the first one, of course, would follow God.
to preach His name in distant lands..
convincing man true fact on earthly sod
carving hope in human fate with mortal hands.

secondly, quite naturally, to serve our nation state
to carry honor, glory, faith on missions dispelling hate.
what greater unity, brotherhood there could be found
than sharing blood, and sweat; contemplating whispering sound.

continuing on to number three, the only reasonable stir
would be to heal the flesh and bone of mortal blood can
through books and notes and knowledge known of thus doctor.
each plague therefore, disease discovered curing human.

running forward, number four!!
walking on the moon out a spaceship door.
jumping, twirling, hearing Houston call
to see the world, earth so relatively small.

landsliding down, we hit number five.
recreating nature, people, hope-joy-fear.
a life by brush and crayon makes hard survive
but price it's worth, creating silent human tear.

slowing down now, number 6 collides
seeing cultures, people, all new scenes on new sides
traveling round, the world's a home, learn'd 7th tongue
to take pen or vocal words creating peace among the young.

quite cautious now, we greet number 8.
one final chance to save our human race
we run for office, no one hears, such fall of state
is wisdom lost, shadow pass, we bow our head, hide our face.

with added grace, we embrace the ninth.
our body's old, and slow, in natures secrets now hideth.
build a home on gradeur peak, garden, trees, seek family.
the final stretch is gently lived, with clear eyes we now see.

a gentle shiver pass, final evening fades.
memory reducing pain of life, joy cascades.
conclusively mattering not the road we chose to walk
for impact most was passion felt through talk.

one final wish, we grasp for air, in softened strain
would be to find contentment here and never more complain.
for thus is seen, living just one life is plenty fine
instead of ever constantly trying more for nine.