I have bent like a blade of grass in the wind. When the storm is over I have pulled myself
up and risen towards the sun.
I have been hurled against the rocks like the waves of a
stormy ocean and I have always found a way to crawl back to dry land moments
before drowning.
I have been blown like a grain of sand across the desert
floor only to land back on my feet.
I have burned in the fire of my passion and burnt myself out
to be resurrected like the Phoenix from the ashes.
I have stood grounded on the earth against the odds like a
tree that found the smallest patch of earth to grow in. I have sent my roots down until they cracked
open the barren landscape and created my own destiny.
There have also been times when I have felt like a Lioness
that lost too many battles and I just lay down a while to lick my wounds. Gone quietly within and I have given myself
permission to heal and to not let the world make me cold-hearted. The scars I carry, I carry with pride because
they remind me of my survival.
I have shouted at love and said never again! I have laughed in the face of danger and
taken the risk anyway knowing that the risk is worth it. I have been foolish with my dreams and squandered
opportunities but I have also nurtured some like fragile samplings and they
have flourished.
Like the Wolf I have hunted my fears and slayed them one by
one. I have realized that it is
important to see them for what they really are… an enemy that wishes to keep me
small and in me place.
Yes, I have been tested by life. I have survived many a storm and come out the
other side with a few scars but I have always stood up again.
What I know is that the world can be a battlefield but it
also holds much beauty because even though it can bash you up against the rocks
it can also lift you up so you can ride the wave. There is an abundance of love in a mothers gaze. There is protection and warmth by a fathers side. There is camaraderie in the
support of siblings and friends. There
is ecstasy in a lovers touch. There is pride and joy as your children succeed and grow. There is
innocence and the promise of tomorrow in a grandchild's eyes. There is the wisdom of the
ancestors as they guide you lovingly to where you have to be. All these things are worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears you can muster.
I have fought my battles alone and tapped every ounce of my
courage. I vow to never surrender. I will always stand and fight for what I
desire, for my dreams for what I believe in and for those close to me because I know that I
can never live my life on my knees…
