True Survival(Written 11-11-02) Poem by Bernard Ceasar

True survival is learning to live one day at a time
in spite of the sorrows and pain
and the tears which flow from your eyes
because inside a flame of hope remains

it means learning to continue to shout and ever rejoice
even when you feel the worlds' against you
and no one hears your voice
It is being able to make the correct choice
when in your eyes
the battle has already been loss

You may feel abandoned
and believe that in life
you lack understanding
because sometimes life can become so demanding
but it can also become so joyous
with divine guidance
the apprpriate and proper handling

refrain from thinking you are down for the count-
do not allow your emptiness, tears, and pain
to cause fear and doubt

but continue to believe
that you will overcome and will be delivered
because a true survivor will never succumb,
but with relentless faith
he or she will keep living and not be hindered.