a toast to finis

i'm standing tall and striding free
the wind in my face alive
as i feel my heart jump with hope
ahead lies forever, a blank slate
destiny as yet unwritten
behind i glance for a moment
i mean only a brief look
when beyond the towers of
a bridge aflame my gaze rests
on faces left behind
missed opportunities
the laughter of possibilities ended
though torn i cannot return
the beams are crashing
steam rises from quenched fires
as the river flows on
i must look forward
regret is the luxury of others
i give my tears to the river
and pray my new day is clear