Initiative, Discipline And Desire Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I have been successful.
With attention given.
My first steps on a stage unafraid,
Gave to me something inside I kept.
Initiative, discipline and desire never left!

And it was never my ambition to remain in spotlight.
With the hearing of applause and to bow.
Once I knew what I did to do,
I wanted to prove to myself...
I could do something else.

My greatest satisfaction is to see others succeed.
And those who believe achieving success is easy,
Are not willing to experience...
What it takes to witness,
Their own success develop to exist.

And it is only with the wanting of this,
One toils and sweats without regret...
Who is or isn't ultimately impressed with their efforts.
Since time has taught me what I've learned,
Is success is earned and not given to one who sits wishing.