A Challenge To Fate

A CHALLENGE TO FATE

Across a lost and damaged soul
The winds of fate blow harsh and keen.
The struggle takes a wearing toll
A life that now is small and mean.

Not evil, wicked, only gray,
The stains of time show clear and deep.
Nought for the future or today,
Just for the peace of endless sleep.

No fear of hell, no hope of God,
Still trudging through a restless life.
Now castigated by a rod
Forged from everlasting strife.

How can it be we hear the voice
Of pain, depression, doom and dread?
Can we not then make the choice
Of hope and joy and love instead?

But if we lock ourselves away
From all the good, the bright, the fine
Forgetful of the price we pay
And turn our backs on life’s sweet wine.

Sliding down to deep despair,
Giving up on all we need
Forgetful of the fresh clear air
We turn instead to a false creed.

Enough! The world is ours to find
To live each day as if our last
Then we can leave the past behind
And choose a future bright and fast.

Joy and delight, both true and strong
Find in ourselves the breadth and length
Of friendship that we pass along
To those we hold in love and strength.

So find a path away from doubt
From misery, from fire and ice.
Face down the demons; cast them out
And with the dawn comes paradise.

A last request to salve my heart
To keep despair and dread at bay
That love and friendship bear a part
And hold me safe that final day

So when it’s time for me to go
To where no man can show the way.
No matter if I can but know
That with true friends my heart will stay.

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