Spoken Word: Echoes Ignored

They spoke in riddles, or so I thought
With voices worn from battles fought
Their eyes held stories etched by time
But I was chasing my own rhyme

They said"The path is not just straight""Beware the shadows, guard your fate"
But I was young with feet on fire
Their cautions couldn't quell desire

I heard them speak but didn't heed
So sure their words weren't what I'd need
Their echoes faded in the haze
While I set forth through untamed ways

The wind would carry their sighs to me
Hints of truths I refused to see"Slow down" they'd whisper"Look around"
But I was lost in my own sound

Mountains high and valleys deep
I crossed them all without a peep
Triumphs fueled my growing pride
No need for wisdom at my side

I wore ambition like a crown
Ignored the rain that sprinkled down
The storm clouds gathered out of sight
But I was blinded by the light

Their voices now a distant hum
A fading song I wouldn't strum
Lessons offered but never learned
Pages read but corners turned

So onward into dusk I strode
Unaware of the heavy load
The path would teach what I declined
The echoes silenced by my mind.