LIFE STRUGGLES

LIFE STRUGGLES

They pop up unexpectedly like Mr. Jack in the Box

With the intent of harming me, like his namesake The Ripper.

The element of surprise does not last forever.

I calm my frazzled nerves, wipe my sweaty brows, and steady my heartbeat.

There have been many ambushes in the span of my earthly life,

Each one of them making me street smarter and, I do hope, much stronger.

I often feel disheartened, wondering why to bother.

Yet, I scramble back on my feet, commanding them to walk further.

Then, one fine day, it dawned on me that I was not the Lone Ranger.

I bade farewell to Loneliness and put an end to Self-pity.

I retreated within myself and scrutinized all my options.

The Still Small Voice within my soul managed to grab my attention.

“Why don’t you join the infantry?” She did whisper into my ear.

It struck a chord within my heart, and off I went to enlist.

I was handed my weaponry: a flashlight and a love spray.

The instructions were simple:

Blind the buggers with your light,

Intoxicate them with your spray.

Do not hesitate to summon help if they gang up against you.

Call up a friend; say a prayer. Do what it takes, it’s up to you.

Never despair! Can’t you hear the flutter of wings?

The Air Force is moving in as sure as a new day is dawning.

Your angels will spread their wings and airlift you to safety.

Anyas Spencer, Medford, Oregon, November 1, 2014