by Stephen Stirk

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

When you can rise from slumber every morning
with resolution running freely through your veins
When gallantly you greet each challenge dawning
Championing your beliefs, not leaving challengers in chains
When championing deteriorates to confrontation
As being all that's left to pull you through
Be yours the balanced mind that knows the poor relation
As well to know the subtle difference of the two

When you can live at peace with all that life delivers
and covet not the lives of fellow men
When desperately your mind and muscle quivers
at chances lost , at broken dreams , and then
When sinking to your lowest ebb you fight back
and tell yourself you haven't missed the boat
When envy plays no part in all that you lack
You'll sink or swim while others merely float

When those around you feign sophistication
While carrying off the ploy with stylish ease
When your practiced punch line fosters consternation
Yet rolls from off your tongue with expertise
When speaking out provokes denunciation
And influencing others, leaves you polls apart
from all that sculptured your unique determination
Stand steadfastly , and speak it from the heart

When temper draws the sword of vengeance from its scabbard
And desperate hands propel the 'cut and thrust'
When all that drove you mindless , once its added
Makes little weight and fills you with disgust
When you insert a clause of thoughtful caution
Before each blundering step along the path of life
When you can see yourself for what you are, without distortion
You'll live as one with mankind and his wife .

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