Will To Survive

Watch in action exuberance of life As a toddler starts, stops, and falls, Slowly but surely learning to walk Questing ahead in poise of pizzazz Powered by strength of inner voice Taking first steps of will to survive, Oblivious to clutch of circumstance Sending some kids to refugee camps Or seeking asylum, walking for miles, Hope for them is a place to sleep, Bread to eat, and freedom to live Cognizant of borrowed air they breathe; Some will make it, some will die Some will shine in open blue skies Flexing tenacity of wings they’ll fly Like a tiny chick’s daring first flight, They will rise from burned-out debris Ascending like forest of new saplings Sprouting through the remains of ashes. When tears of fear grip their lives Some do fold, yet some stay strong As life-storms destroy their only path; Those of fortitude build new bridges Giving comfort to needy and weak Taking them safely to the other side. When spirits cower, afraid of strife Some resiliently keep dreams alive Though they know their life’s afire Trusting new day meeting dark night Will always glow in ebullient sunrise. Some succumb to inequities of fate When despair mounts a colossal fight Some persevere with innermost strength Traversing miles of whatever it takes Finding promise in flowers and streams Shedding distress, empowering dreams Invoking goodwill, believing its call: Upon every roof some rain must fall. October 14, 2020 Poem of the day on October 16, 2020 Placed 2nd: Will to survive poetry contest Sponsor: Silent One