Shortcuts

We've all taken them, some folks seek them all the time,
It is good to economize, a new invention is an idea sublime.
A better way to do things--get out of a rut,
Why go the old, long way?  Take the shortcut!
 
A century and a half ago, the pioneers were heading west,
Spending months in a conestoga wagon surely was a test.
Southwest of Reno, the settlers chose NOT to go the long way around,
Donner Pass was much more direct, seemed to erase each frown.
 
The lower elevation, longer trail seemed the idea of a nut,
They ascended the Pass in October, eager to use this shortcut.
Early, unprecedented snow and cold slowed, then stopped their progress,
They found themselves stuck as the snow continued to fall--no egress.
 
After days spent shivering by their dwindling fire,
It became clear to all of their situation--dire.
They ran out of food and began to die,
Donner became synonomous with "why try".
 
Anger and resentment made them all see red,
They ate their shoes, then they ate their dead.
Over 80 pioneers ascended the Pass that year,
The half that survived shed many a tear.
 
We make decisions every day, their implications hidden,
Departures from time tested paths, the sirens bidden.
If our goal is to get there, faster might not be better,
Credit cards do facilitate, you quickly become a debtor.
 
Maybe they'll make a movie with an actor like Chuck Conners,
To remind us of the many bad shortcuts named Donners.              

Dave Hale  Ottawa, Ks  2/16/12  "Be patient in the longer path"   hale-agency.com