your bubble has been burst and you
plunge into the middle of a boundless ocean.
you were a big fish in a small pond but now
you're bottom feeder in a bottomless abyss where
if you don't keep swimming,
you'll start sinking.

but even as you get immersed in the filth
don't let it stain the purity
don't let it drain the joy
that is in you.
and though the wind howls and the waves crash,
keep your eyes wide open
so that you may readily
glimpse victory:
tomorrow
this storm will be chased away
by blue skies and a glorious morning.

don't let those dark circles under your eyes
take away that bright future.
don't let those tears
extinguish the fire of your spirit.
do not just struggle,
conquer.
do not just survive,
thrive.

fear is normal
but don't let it devour
and drive you to flee or freeze,
instead
be strong and courageous and
in good faith
Fight!