Snakes shed their skin
plumage has to malt,
this process starts
when facts point to fault.

Strides are long
following the beat
life has that marching sound.

Just like the phoenix
returns to ash
what soars returns to ground.

The skill to survive
repeated blows
when knocked down to the floor,

is standing up
back on ones feet
emerging bruised and sore.

It’s said what makes a good man
are thoughts that can’t be felt.
That inability to keep him down
no matter what he’s dealt.

When all’s removed,
possessions gone,
shirt, pants and maybe shoes,

are what remains
besides himself,
then theirs nothing left to lose.

It doesn’t really matter,
nor cause to feel dismay.
Things can be retrieved in time,
a little each and everyday.

So worry not when you are down
or if you’re holding an empty cup.
Just change your thought and move a muscle
from ash you will rise up.

Copyright © 2007 Ronald J. Edwards