Undulating Waves

The raw, undulating waves of power and concentration,
That superior drive and intensity to better one’s lot,
Come not from practice, but from youthful promise
Which is often crushed, devoured, and rudely shaken.
But that eager will and passion return to us,
Because we understand that to play the game right,
We must get the uniform dirty – and often bloodied –
Through tremendous effort and triumphant class.
No sadness is ever wasted on life,
But the dogged determination to thoroughly enjoy,
And not condemn, the rational and cruel aspects
Of an otherwise blissful, passionate, and saintly life
Is to hold oneself and the truth
In the highest and most dignified regard.