A Hard Long Walk Poem by Alan Kabanshi

Within valleys of dreams blows a mist of prosperity
But follies before life give shape to ghosts amidst shadows

A troubled mind stretches for a withering gasp of liberty
And distress gather in whose wake cheerful moments die
A tap on the shoulder bubbling wisdom words
That beyond the end, life gives its wage

Many dare to dream, but to live it few manage
What then shall we erect to their praise?
Their hearts strong that even without hope they still arise
Perseverance is questioned near finish
Where survival hangs on habits which outlive dreams
For those who fail, death becomes a gift in accounting their losses

Dare to live through moment that bosses
where Life cheats you with defeat, loosing zeal
And even when you lead it feels like on a trail
Who a man is you that you should give up?
For the greatness of a man is founded in difficulties to perfect him
And that which is quenched by fire,
equally it’s yoked and cannot die

So for me,
I shall tread on with my long hard walk
For rest waits at the door of destination

2010