A REALIZATION

Whatever may rise to greet me

I must learn to embrace

No matter how I am feeling

There is something to chase

Whether that is wealth, a pair of wings,

A heart that loves, a mouth that sings,

A well-paying job, or freedom from stress,

Realize that, in many ways, I am blessed

Whatever may attempt to defeat me,

I must stand with all my strength

Life is a campaign to free oneself

And,in war, one goes to great lengths

I remember my grandfather's father

And his heroism in the face of evil

Two purple hearts and a silver star later,

He inspired me not to fear other people.

Long had I sought and now I have found

The map to the treasure of a life that gets better

Inspired by many, but touched by few

I hope that my legacy is not lost when I'm through

Whatever forces seek to shut me down

Fall flat on their faces when they discover

That I am not alone

I counted my blessings, built my defenses

My mind is trained to combat the relentless

Victory begins with a realization

That feelings are one's own creation