Perseverance

Life is one step forward, two steps back,

The flowers blossom, but the petals are black.

The sky dawns but the morning is dusk,

Praises are sung, only bitter and brusque.

The rain comes, but the water is acid,

The lake freezes over, but underneath isn’t placid.

Blood thickens, coalesces like fire,

Walk with care on the breadth of a wire.

For the abyss below is an unwelcoming place,

Where peace is no longer beauty, beauty no longer grace.

Affirmatives, negations, lost in a trance,

The chance of the risk and the risk of the chance.

A choice so delicate, crumbled by will,

To accept or refuse, to perish or kill.

Bloodless wrists, as pale as bone,

Sleep beneath ground, forever alone.

Through the shriek of the tempest, the cry of the storm,

Must stand tall for tomorrow, for hope, for reform.

Death is an apple, scarlet in skin,

Bruised with regret, once you’re within.

No matter the flames, high getting higher,

Don’t give into the choice, don’t give into the fire.

Step away from the cliff, back away from the edge,

Faith is the key, perseverance the pledge.