SECRET VICTORY

BY: RICHARD C. RODNEY aka JELLI

(Originally published in the

Essex Community College Literary Magazine

"Collage",   Autumn, 1984.)

I know the secret victory of defeat,
The hope that steals the triumph from despair.
I smile inside to think of how I cheat. .

Advancing after orderly retreat,
My forces strike, the stronger for repair.
I know the secret victory of defeat.

I pass through flames, but I can stand the heat.
I tell my friends that life is never fair,
And laugh aloud to think of how I cheat. .

I never fear the obstacles I meet,
And when I suffer setbacks, I won't care.
I know the secret victory of defeat.

And when I make my renaissance complete,
The others looking on can only stare,
and wonder, never knowing how I cheat. .

Your barbs are falling harmless at my feet,
I'll overcome even them , if I dare.
I know the secret victory of defeat,
I smile inside to think of how I cheat.


© -Richard C. Rodney
All rights Reserved