Seeing past your burdens

I know not how I crossed this trail

and brought with me its fearsome hail

Yet I must unfurl my spirit's sail

and disregard a banshee's wail.

My world comes crashing down my shoulders

weights like dew drops masked as boulders.

reminding me how I have grown older

though I face an enemy growing colder.

An enemy of my flesh which I did choose

that steals my stance with each new bruise.

I rise each time, my will renews

my spirit peppered with pain tattooes.

I flex a back and pay my dues

I know not how my God shall use.

How strange to feel my teeth come forth.

My lips curl back, my eyes turn north

the joy of knowing my spirit's worth

My strength held by eternal mirth.

Though I set my heart, my eyes, my tools

for lofty goals inside their rules

I struggle with traps of biblical fools;

unravelling webs of infinite spools.

So I set my mind to improve its range

and quicken its skills both known and strange.

And rest in God's grasp, my nature to change

a horrible, festering, invisible mange.

I spread my fingers to receive God's favor

and the tribulation my life holds to savor.

With each pain endured, I'm that much braver.

Growing ever close to my tomb's engraver.

My sleep forsaken, my health set aside

All nigh but forgotten my worldly pride.

Despite my backward, momentary slides,

I press on to the mark, my savior's bride.