SURVIVAL

"I searched through rebellion, drugs, diet, mysticism, religion, intellectualism, and much more, only to find that truth is basically simple and feels good, clear and right." Armando "Chick" Corea

Misfortune once played a very hard game
It required knowledge, courage and plenty of skill
This game also required its players to have an aim
Then along would come the character of Strong Will

However, in this game, Misfortune encountered Bad Luck
She was stuck on the place of Going Nowhere for a while
Unless she encountered Chance she would remain stuck
Therefore, Misfortune began to play in a very shrewd style

At the start the rules had not been made very clear
She had been given a handful of blue chips called Ruthless
Misfortune would learn to play through trial and error
Although the lessons were taxing and hopelessly endless

Unfortunately Bad Company accompanied her every roll of dice
There appeared too many obstacles at her every turn
So very early in the game Misfortune had to become wise
The secret to success is what she set out to learn

There were lions and tigers and bears along the road
Of course, Misfortune would quickly learn to outwit
On her journey she carried such a heavy load
Her next turn earned her a card called The Success Kit

The kit came complete with building blocks of creativity
The instructions explained how she'd been given plenty of resources
But she was only a neophyte, lacking builder's ability
Perhaps there was a college that offered building courses

Misfortune was accepted into the School of Hard Knocks
It was there she would earn her doctorate in life
Lab studies required she tread through many a jagged rock
She would also need study countless books on turmoil and strife

She soon became discouraged by the burden of school
And of course, she considered switching majors over to gallivanting
But if she did she would live the remainder of her days as a fool
Fortunately for her sake, she refrained from wandering

On graduation day as class valedictorian she did speak
To the Dean of the School she could offer no denial
"Ladies and Gentleman," she said, This place is not for the weak
For in the School of Life there is a game called Survival."

Excerpt, The Sound of a Malady' 1995.

Learn more about this author, Ruth D. Hochman.
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