Such Gifts As These

G rowth requires the reins of pain, the curing singe of fire I nside we shrink, we quiver, quake but we rise inspired V ictory through vice, challenge hardens resolve, lifts higher I nnocence belayed, tried, can raise us whole, entire. N ever damn the pain, decline the fight, rise, with life conspire G od knows what's best this I believe what comes must transpire. T he faint of heart, will never know the crucible, the pyre H aving never risked the plunge, never left the flowery briar A nd angrily bemoaned the dark, the pain, the fret conspired N ever giving thanks for the test, the trials which seem most dire K iss the ring, the ground, blow kisses skyward to the Holy Crier S uch gifts as these diverse and free, all necessary and desired. Contest Count Your Blessings Date: 11/14/12