ADVERSITY
How much can we take
When things go awry,
Such as our best laid plans
Nurtured, shaped, garnered
With the greatest of care
Shielded, protected, reflecting
Our innermost emotional needs
Driving, utilizing all our energy source
Towards the successful furtherance
Of these, our hopes and dreams so set forth;
What happens then to us as adversity strikes
And they, through whatever reason or means
Are permanently shattered beyond repair.
Do we then just curl up and die,
Or do we slowly brush aside
Our hurt, anger, frustration, and fear
To look for another day, another way,
Hoping once more to start all over again
If we find within us what it takes,
For the will and choice is strictly ours to make.
Some unfortunately will opt out
Through suicide and death,
While others may mentally deteriorate
Or seek relief through substance abuse,
Yet most may wish to struggle on
No matter the odds or sacrifice,
Never really having lost sight or given up
On their most precious hopes and dreams.
HERBERT HOLZBAUER
© April 1999Midi Title: Sailing
