Galvanize Poem by Florence Badejo

Lost in the shadows are my dreams.
I search frequently but it always seems
That no matter how hard I try
My flower of hope will wither and die.
The only thing now that keeps me moving
Is the fear that the darkness will be all consuming.
I run and I run with no destination
I can see no light, no salvation.
I try to turn back but the darkness is thicker.
I start to panic and my footsteps are quicker.
Then my mind brings to my attention
That I can't remember my first intention.
I stop myself and no longer move
Since there is nothing for me to prove.
No reason to push myself farther
And now my own mind becomes darker.
But somehow, somewhere
I feel encouragement in the air.
Then a sliver of light comes into view.
I can see myself anew.
Few people stand there waiting for me
But with just them I can see
The reason why I try so hard
Why I want to push myself far.
I can see my friends, my love, and my teacher
Telling me not to stay on the bleacher
But instead put myself in the game
To do great things and make myself a name.
They each inspire me to live, learn, and love
So my greatness of life can reach the stars above.
~9/24/10~