Work In Progress

If I were to start all over again, would I forget everything I've known and start anew?

I can show you my loose tooth as proof

that I am a fighter, not a lover, but that I do love a good fight.

I refuse to kneel before those who tell me I am wrong even though reason screams that I am right.
But don't you ever say that these fists can't become hands that reach out to help you up,

and don't you dare ever say that I've closed my eyes before fear,

because I have seen danger and looked it in the face and not dropped a single tear.
And I learned that I am allowed to laugh, and I am allowed to cry,

but I am not allowed to let pride soar into the sky,

because when it falls down, it will crush your spirit,

and there is nothing you can do about it.

It's vicious, it likes to destroy

a) friends

b) success

c) love

d) all of the above

and I would tell my children that it's not what you think but how you think that matters

And that you can't step over others because you were helped to grow taller

and commitement isn't a prison, it's only being strong enough to trust your own heart.

And trusting isn't a fault, it's learning to fall and fly

and that honesty hurts, but it's better than to tell a crashing lie,

and that it's ok if you're not ok.

And I would tell them that life is not a path, but a maze where you can't go back.

And when you have to dig that tunnel on your own, how easy it is to push others away.

And when you cry for help and no one comes, you'll discover like never before the strength of your own nails, as you dig through the mud that others try to move before you.

And if you ever do come through,

wipe your brow because it's not done, you'll have to keep walking until your legs give out.

And you'll learn that death is inevitable, and how lucky you are to be of those who die,

because how many did not live? How many did you beat to the breath of life and how many did not

even get a chance to race,

and compared to others, you were raised in golden lace.

And when the first tear falls and you get to taste the salt in it,

I hope you know how to dance through the rain, and not wait for it to pass.

I am a fighter, not a lover, but if I could I would tell my children all this so that they don't repeat my mistakes,

so that they can live in a hopefully better world that I helped to make with my own hands for their own sake.