Tiger Tough
over the course
of a lifetime
one undergoes
a series of deaths
the loss of youth
is a death
the loss of a parent
is a death
the loss of a friend, your best friend
is a death
the loss of your self …
your worth in the world
is indeed a death
the drainage of loss
leaves a lot of space
to drown in
hold your breath!
‘til your body rises
from the floor
and when you break the surface
get on your back quick
and float
so, when night comes
you can still see the stars
from where you are
and if there are no stars
that night
just close your eyes
and drift to your dream …
there the stars
and when you wake
in the sea of sorrow
get a good stretch in and roll over
on your belly
taste the tears lapping against your lip
feel the waves wash over you
hear the wind rush past
squint your eyes ‘til they adjust
the sky’s still blue
you’re alive
that mystical map
embedded in the soul
will bring you back
from where ‘ya been
and it won’t matter
no more
it won’t matter
no more
‘cause being lost at sea
doesn’t mean
you won’t be found again
but you gotta roll over first
roll over
TL