Do I Struggle Or Thrive Poem by Sandra Hillawi

Do I struggle or thrive
In this fight to survive
Above or below
Is all that I know

Though I breathe and I think
Though I act eat and drink
The pressure bears down
I am nearing to drown

But I have a reason
To live through this season
A reason to hope
That helps me to cope

There's no chance of surrender
Though the ocean feels tender
Releasing caressing
Tempting and blessing

But while there is light
I continue my fight
One day I'll prevail
I'll live through this tale

So reaching within
I find strength to swim
And onward I go
Seeking the flow

Then one day I find
The tide is behind
My heart becomes light
The end is in sight

I touch it and feel
I reached it, its real
Thrills of elation
Oh joyful sensation

As I look back I see
It was always in me
This journey was long
But now I am strong

I stand here at last
Its all in the past
The struggle is done
And new life has come


(Gosport 13 February 2011)