Though darkness of the spirit
circles me,
As vast and horror-deep as
tortured hell,
This thankfulness I offer from
myself
That knows, that keeps, its own
identity;
Those evil accidents that mock my
life
Force out no whining fear, no
griping word;
Fronting the arrows of adversity
I hold my head high, though it
costs me dear.
Beyond this hostile and unhappy
life
Lie judgements all unknowable,
unknown;
Though destined wounds, though
terrors come against me
They do not, shall not, shake my
steadfast soul.
To reach a true integrity of
spirit
An agony of effort must be mine;
Whatever retributions lie before
me
I will accept them, guard them,
win my soul.
(February, 1988)
