For Edward Ibeh's This Or That, Vol 36 Poetry Contest/ Sept. 21, 2025
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Through life’s clenched jaw, we struggle to survive. We see our loved ones stumble; expectations crumble. Anxiety keeps grinding and grinding us down. Money’s tight; life’s jaw clenches tighter. Health declines. The jaws of death loom nearer. Panic-stricken people flee the only homes they’ve ever known - refugees escaping war or the clench and the stench of oppression. Through it all, many make it through, but oh the woe of those living in the unrelenting grasp of poverty or of being chewed to bits by abuse and fear. Who gets to glide through a life where slackened is the jaw of life? And who decides if a clenched jaw will constantly be others’ plight? Only God alone can know; it’s not ours to reason why. Family and friends, good attitude, hopefully faith and prayer will help to make life’s clenched jaw easier to pass through. I firmly believe that in the end, death’s relief for many will be a welcomed friend. When life’s jaw unclenches, we can be released. Then will understanding flood our minds and the light of God’s pure love be new life’s sweet caress.
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