Strength

I'm just trying to survive here.
I have no family at my back
I have no man at my side
no one to see that I stay on the track

All these folks depending on me
it's a heavy, unmanageable weight
a burden not lifted by God
even though I pray and contemplate

but I am stronger than I used to be
back when I carried a tiny load
strength isn't built in easy times
or when the sun shines on the road.

Strength is built in stormy skies
when there is a slight light to see
all that glitters is not gold
and still, you can stand to face reality.

In these times of the minimal
when you're just trying to survive the night
though the darkness of the world and narrow sight
makes it hard to focus on the stream of light

pain is all that lets you know you are alive
you are gaining strength each time you fight
just trying to survive.