The Cycles of Choice: A Poem on Life's Pathways

Sometimes a fleeting pleasure seems to be a lasting treasure.
Sometimes what seems to fill the void is a temporary toy.
When it breaks,
you feel the ache & then you seek another fake.
You don't realize when mindless craving becomes enslaving & ruins the life in short term.

Sometimes a quick satisfaction seems to be a real attraction.
Sometimes what seems to make you smile is a cheap and easy style.
When it fades,
you feel betrayed & then you trade your self-esteem.
You don't realize when shallow living becomes unforgiving & damages the life in mid term.

Sometimes a hasty indulgence seems to be a wise prudence.
Sometimes what seems to soothe your pain is a false and fleeting gain.
When it ends,
you lose your friends & then you spend your days alone.
You don't realize when reckless spending becomes offending & hurts the life in long term.

Sometimes a rash decision seems to be a clear vision.
Sometimes what seems to be the best is a rash and unwise test.
When it fails,
you face the trails & then you wail your fate away.
You don't realize when impulsive choosing becomes losing & harms the life in short term.

Sometimes a lazy habit seems to be a cozy fit.
Sometimes what seems to ease your stress is a dull and mindless mess.
When it bores,
you close the doors & then you snore your life away.
You don't realize when passive coping becomes moping & wastes the life in mid term.

Sometimes an angry reaction seems to be a strong action.
Sometimes what seems to give you power is a bitter and sour shower.
When it hurts,
you lose your shirts & then you curse your luck away.
You don't realize when aggressive venting becomes resenting & breaks the life in long term.

Sometimes a greedy ambition seems to be a noble mission.
Sometimes what seems to make you rich is a dark and dirty ditch.
When it traps,
you lose your maps & then you lapse into despair.
You don't realize when selfish striving becomes conniving & spoils the life in short term.

Sometimes a cunning deception seems to be a smart perception.
Sometimes what seems to get you ahead is a lie and a cheat instead.
When it's caught,
you face the draught & then you ought to pay the price.
You don't realize when dishonest winning becomes sinning & taints the life in mid term.

Sometimes a vain obsession seems to be a valid expression.
Sometimes what seems to boost your ego is a hollow and shallow show.
When it's gone,
you feel the scorn & then you mourn your loss of face.
You don't realize when narcissistic flaunting becomes haunting & scars the life in long term.

Sometimes a wise reflection seems to be a dull rejection.
Sometimes what seems to hold you back is a true and honest track.
When it's done,
you see the sun & then you run towards the light.
You realize when mindful choosing becomes improving & heals the life in short term.