A Formula Tried And Tested Poem by tawanda omphile plaatjie

One foot in front of the other
One step after another
Hold on, you are almost at the finish line
It is just a matter of time

Huff and puff, the road is rough
You don't have to be buff, but you have to stay tough

Thorns and rocks puncture the bottom of your feet
Blisters on the palms of your hands in the blazing heat
Keep in mind it is not a quick fix that you seek
The scars will be evidence of your perseverance in future, when you press repeat
Vouching for your hardwork, the way traces of ink vouch for the endless love affair between pen and paper.

Soaking wet from all the sweat
Eyes stinging with tears, you need to take heart
A little blood shed, a sign of unruly pride taken apart
Left in its place humility to catapult you to places wet
Moistened with milk and honey
And a bonus of the sweet scent of money

One hand in front of the other
One slow painful move after another
Crawl like a leper smelling the closeness of the waters of Jordan
Forsaking the maybes of medicines modern
One foot in front of the other
One step after another
A formula tried and tested