Since I was a boy there have been any number of people I would've traded places in a heartbeat. In my twenties I wanted to trade places with a friend who had the world by the tail. Several years later disaster struck. He was permanently paralyzed in a car accident and his life fell apart.
I kept on slugging my way through the underbrush and brambles . It was a
hard path that taught me to appreciate life's agonies and joys equally.
Over time, I learned to trust in my own strength of will; I gained a
sure-footedness, however metaphorically, that has endured through the years.
Scarred with pains and pleasures, we're unfolding to the Light... .
This sphere is strewn
with shards of sorrow's scars.
Some sorrow, in its iron intensity
defies speech and tears
and life's promise.
All who follow these chaotic paths
share these burdens,
inescapable as death and bliss.
The longer we stare at the river
of misfortunes the further
we stray into the brambles.
Transcending distinctions between
joy and tragedy liberates.
As this brief stream meanders through
valleys and fields, appreciating both sufferings
and joys signifies life-mastery.
Trusting native strengths we overcome
difficulties and find self-reliance.
It founds responsibilities on our granite;
it guarantees a surefooted trek
as we stride shifting sands.
