To Adversity I replied:
“I won’t stop breathing!
Won’t
lie down and die!”
No shameful cry:
“Uncle!”
though, you demand
with fingers
snarled in my hair,
Both hands
entwined,
mashing my face in sand.
In Pit and Mire–
more aptly described.
Your goal
again
new
for me to expire.
“I won’t stop breathing!”
to Adversity I replied,
When
you demand
I lie down and die!
“Ludicrous!” you deny…
“Pit and mire?”
“Okay!
Demand–insidiously
implied.” … You in effect,
maligning my senses.
I didn’t stammer: “I’m still conscious;
not totally senseless!”
Crushed;
suppressed–
my Smile?
“No!”
Though, I’ve been burned.
You
Aware,
Knowing
even lips chapped
Upturned,
however cracked and bleeding,
can elicit
much More
than
a spurn.
But,
turn or roll me over
someone special.
Please!
Appease with these:
Soft face,
hand too,
extended,
stretching to ease.
My eyes moistened by pain,
still notes
the slight tilt of your lids–
your eyes,
when in compassion
crinkles.
Lifts
my soul to the highs!
Smile! Do Smile!
Therein lies:
expressed
hope
magnanimous!
A heart
open,
warm
and generous!
My chance to defy
again
To Adversity–
with
help
to reply:
“I didn’t stop breathing
when you
commanded:
“Die!”
ITH & SB 