Fight

Bouncing dust and rumbling water…something lumbers this way.

Know way of knowing in the dark gloaming what monster comes this day.

Will there be scratching claws and serrated talons; will flesh be rent?

Or will it be a creature of the mind behind the eyes the spark of flint?

Just tell me what monster will be here today; will I be paralyzed by fears?

I can’t defend what I do not know yet you’d leave me drowning in tears.

I fight what comes, come what may, since it’s variable from dusk to dawn.

I try to be better & cope. At least I can say, day to day, life is never a yawn.

I speak to you now, today’s monster, I do not care to fight.

For two score years I’ve beaten each one of you & plan ahead for whichever each night.

You will not make me live or die paralyzed by my fears.

Forget antagonizing me daily I’ve defeated you daily for years.

You’re in my life & I accept that…but you’re beaten & hung on my shelf.

Knowing your monsters is half of the fight; the rest is defiance itself.