Why Should I Give Up? Poem by Arun Maji

Yes, I am stubborn.
I never give up, I refuse to give up.

Misfortune knocks me down
but I get up.
Misfortune knocks me down again
but I get up again.
I keep getting up
until misfortune surrenders to me.

Look at me-
I am wounded, broken, burnt out,
and tears rolling down my cheeks.
But can they stop me
smiling, singing and dancing?
No, they can't.
Can they stop me
loving, caring and trusting?
No, they can't.

They never can.
Because, I am the son of star.
Within me,
is the power of sun,
patience of mountain,
song of river,
love of flower.

Yes, I am stubborn.
I don't give up.
Why? Why should I give up?
If I know-
how to smile through tears,
and love with aching heart;
then, why should I give up?

© Arun Maji