A year ago, a student fancied reaching a goal

That lies beyond many stepping stones in the way

He worked with determination to meet the first stone

But his gait betrayed a sway

His determination was admirable 

But the wide-eyed student tired himself working aimlessly

The first stone was reached, but only after exhaustion

Now, the student is not naive

His focus is efficient like a sharpened katana

He looks into the horizon, where his goal lies. He is

A seasoned general who plans ten moves into the future

The student grits his teeth, narrows his eyes, and continues on

For the second stepping stone lies far beyond the first