When on a Rising Path

 "Adversity is the first path to Truth"---Lord Byron

Dips and rises should be expected,

splits and junctures, too,

and so we keep on keeping on

there’s nothing else to do.

I learned this from my parents

who loved and raised their family

on dimes and empty pockets, too,

in dark caves and neighbors' clothes.

Dips and rises are expected,

splits and junctures, too,

and so we keep on keeping on

there’s nothing else to do.

I learned this from the labels

of woman's worth in boxes

checked off by teachers,

by bosses and by leaders, too.

Dips and rises should be expected,

splits and junctures, too,

and so we keep on keeping on

there’s nothing else to do.

I learn this from Black friends

who face reminders everyday

they’re strangers in a foreign land

here in the US of A.

Dips and rises as expected,

splits and junctures, too,

but we keep on keeping on

there’s nothing else to do.

I learn this from radical action:

the more we gain, the more we're blocked
by grinning gatekeepers who won’t change

and dare us to keep moving, too.

Dips and rises as expected,

splits and junctures, too,

and we dare to keep on going

there’s nothing else to do.

For Sumana's prompt 

Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Path

This poem REALLY needs work, I know!

My blog poems are rough drafts. 
Please respect my copyright.

© 2016 Susan L. Chast