Running The Gauntlet of Life

Survival’s secret lies not in

outlasting life’s challenges,

not in battles won or lost,

nor in the joys and sorrows

we all experience.

Long life presents a gauntlet

of medieval tortures, each

a roadblock to happiness,

caring and fulfillment.

The pendulum of death’s knife

is not simply avoided, it must be

delayed, deceived, conquered

with determination, optimism,

Survival in the gauntlet of life

requires years of trial, error,

learning to face one’s challenges,

with all the help one can summon.

Life is short, transient, temporary.

Comments: 19

Kathryn E. Mar 31, 2009, 2:56am EDT

Very wise words, Randy.

Hugs.

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Svetlana Goryacheva Mar 31, 2009, 2:59am EDT

Excellent and true! :-)

Prayers and blessings and best wishes in a plenty - S.

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gina h. Mar 31, 2009, 3:02am EDT

wise words

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Jennifer Lee Mar 31, 2009, 3:38am EDT

So good to see your writing again. This is poignant and wonderfully penned. You've shown no evidence of "roadblocks" to give your love to Grace and I. I like the third stanza best and I feel it represents you and what sorrow intertwined with optimism (kind of surreal metaphor) you must be going through right now. You will rise above and conquer. This I know. Thank you for posting to our group, thepoetscircle. Your poem is now featured.

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Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Mar 31, 2009, 5:14am EDT

That is a beautiful poem.

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Renee S. Mar 31, 2009, 7:46am EDT

Very true. Nice writing.

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Nancy L. Mar 31, 2009, 8:05am EDT

Life is short- and it certainly isn't fair.

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JOHN BECK Mar 31, 2009, 10:12am EDT

"Survival in the gauntlet of life
requires years of trial, error,
learning to face one’s challenges,
with all the help one can summon."
Even then, we don't have ultimate control over where we go from here. But to fail to pick up the gauntlet is cowardice. You have chosen to duel until it is time to lay down the sword.

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Vivian A. Mar 31, 2009, 1:44pm EDT

Perhaps, the struggle is to celebrate the glorious more than we bemoan the hardships. Life is filled with both, just sometimes one stays with you more than the other. Thought provoking piece Randy. Thank you.

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