Choose Another Dream

I knew a woman who dreamed of spaceflight
Wanted to follow Armstrong and Ride
So she studied hard, learned all she'd need to know
But she wasn't chosen, this one among thousands
As good as she was, she wasn't the best
And she had to watch while others got to go
So she went back to school to learn engineering
Got the best grades so the right job would call
Now her designs are in orbit above us
And she feels like she's out there after all

There's so much more within our grasp
So many ways to turn
The world can be much bigger than it seems
If circumstances block your path
It's not the only one
Reach out your hand and choose another dream

I knew a man who married at twenty
Knew that he'd found the love of his life
They raised and loved two kids, now both are grown
Then came the pain and the months in a sickbed
The doctors were helpless, the cancer had spread
He held her hand, and then he was alone
But time has a way of easing the grieving
He met a fine woman, so unlike his wife
He found that his heart had room for another
Now he feels like he's found a whole new life

There's so much more within our grasp
So many ways to turn
The world can be much bigger than it seems
If circumstances block your path
It's not the only one
Reach out your heart and choose another dream

I knew a man who joined the Navy
Wanted to serve with honor and pride
And in return he'd have the world to roam
Then his lungs failed him, tubercular traitors
He wasn't fit for a sailor's work
They said he had to leave and sent him home
Then he saw an announcement, a contest for writers
He took pen in hand, and that's where it stayed
Now millions of readers will always remember
The worlds and dreams and futures that he made

There's so much more within our grasp
So many ways to turn
The world can be much bigger than it seems
If circumstances block your path
It's not the only one
Reach out your mind and choose another dream

You'll be amazed at what you find
Reach out your hand, your heart, your mind
And choose another dream

Mark Bernstein, yet another computer programmer by day, has been active in science fiction fandom since 1973, and has been writing and performing his own songs, stories, and poetry since 1975. His audio tape of storytelling and poetry, "Tusks Are Optional" is available from dealers at various science fiction conventions, or directly, for $10 plus $2 shipping/handling, from Thegamut Publishing, P.O. Box 2742, Ann Arbor, MI 48106

Find more by Mark Bernstein in the Author Index

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