When John was scarcely ten years old,
His teacher said to John, you have potential.
His father only laughed, and said to John, cold.
Potential. Ha, Ha, Ha. Only time will tell.

When John was now 23 years old,
His new employer, said to John.
You show potential, with great credential.
Potential, John laughed. Only time will tell.

When John was now 49, wrinkled with graying hair.
His wife winked at John, and said, what happened dear?
You had potential, and it was essential, exponential?
Time has passed, and you were outclassed.
Potential, John laughed. Only time will tell.

Potential is time well spent, never inconsequential.
Time spent on your self, and allowed to grow influential.
Go to your true self, and not to your potential.
For potentially you are always nothing, nothing residential.
While essentially you are everything, already reverential.
As soul you are already whole, quintessential potential.

John was now old and forgotten, almost seventy nine.
To old for any potential expotential anymore.
He had showed a lot of good potential. Providential.
Potential, John sadly thought now, so inconsequential.
Only time has told the story, potential glory, no inventory.

Learn more about this author, Steve Marshall.
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