different directions

i've been digging deeper, but i can't take the dark
that eclipses my eyes as i cut through the earth
until all that remains is the side of my shovel
catching the last few rays from the fresh air above
and i remember my youth when i used only palms
cupped and curved to remove dirt and earth
and shallow holes hid only ankles and feet
but now that i've grown, so have my goals
and i want my work to show the steps i've taken
towards greater heights and higher standards
but i can't see how my lofty new life can help
my well-washed hands hold this dirty shovel
and dig through depths i've longed to discover.