Having Come This Far

By: James Broughton

I've been through what my through was to be
I did what I could and couldn't
I was never sure how I would get there

I nourished an ardor for thresholds
for stepping stones and for ladders
I discovered detour and ditch

I swam in the high tides of greed
I built sandcastles to house my dreams
I survived the sunburns of love

No longer do I hunt for targets
I've climbed all the summits I need to
and I've eaten my share of lotus

Now I give praise and thanks
for what could not be avoided
and for every foolhardy choice

I cherish my wounds and their cures
and the sweet enervations of bliss
My book is an open life

I wave goodbye to the absolutes
and send my regards to infinity
I'd rather be blithe than correct

Until something transcendent turns up
I splash in my poetry puddle
and try to keep God amused.

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You can find this poem in — Packing Up for Paradise: Selected Poems 1946-1996, by James Broughton.

James Broughton (1913-1999) was an American poet, filmmaker, and key figure in the San Francisco Renaissance, a post-World War II artistic movement. He was known for his playful, whimsical poetry and avant-garde films.

Born in Modesto, California, Broughton attended Stanford University but left before graduating. He gained early recognition for his poetry, publishing several collections including "The Playground" (1949) and "A Long Undressing" (1971).