I don't intend
to travel far
the hour of reckoning
is now and can't wait
even unequipped and unready
I'll hold my ground
I won't quit
even if I don't prevail
I'll still celebrate
for life could never be evaded
and against the odds
I've fearlessly fought

it's not lack of strength or courage
that breaks the human spirit
but paucity of will and patience
to win is not the goal
it's the moving-forth
the never-yielding grip
the staying-power
the holding-on
and not to slip

I fear not my frailty
it gives me strength
no ally do I seek
nor do favour I ask
human am I
I recognise
my vulnerability
but would never bow
to unjust authority
or haughty power

it's folly
to aim
to be heroic
I would rather choose
to be stoic

even as a tiny leaf
into the violent sea blown
I'll keep myself afloat
amidst the raging waves
I'll not yield or moan

each life
is lived
in the single
and particular
not the general

here I am
tossed
by the winds
of fate

myself I own
I must survive
all alone.