Promise (2003)

What to say, what to write, mere words have I Amalgamations of some syllables, just sounds in ink These alone my repertoire; how can I Endeavour to spell the raging flames I think..? Chaos, pandemonium, utter confusion reigns In the mind, as on the battlefield Thoughts hurtle through and can't be tamed I want to fight myself and not to yield. I want to stand my ground, to assert myself Not bend like the grass with each slight touch of breeze I want to be myself, not some mere toy which time, at its own fancy, may choose to tease. To stand the breath of fire and not to shirk From stepping on with courage, where I must To meet the world headlong, not let Time smirk At my defeats; nor let cracks in my crust. All this, and more I seek All this of myself, I ask When the going gets tough, I want To hide behind no mask. If raging storms threaten me today Pay heed, I shall not fear But, trusting God, shall march ahead Radiating cheer!