Giving up, for just a while-(written for a young friend who is battling a health problem)

In trying times, and those of despair

You are often told to hang in there

“Be strong, be brave”

Your loved ones sing along

“It’s all about getting up and moving on.”

“You can do it”, they cry

“Don’t give up or give in.

Life gives you lemons at times

So just have lemonade and grin.”

They love you and mean well

And truly want you to be swell

But hanging in there can sometimes be daunting

That might find your perseverance wanting

At times like these, when resilience dies

And summoning your confidence takes many tries

When you want to either give up or give in

Your courage and bravery relenting

Be assured, it’s just a break

That your mind and body take

To let you assume you are done

While it assuages, repairs and then says, “bring it on!”

So, take (just a little) time, my friend, to cry, rant and rave

To be human for a while, and not brave

For when the last tear has rolled down, and the last cry cried

The last frown frowned and the last sigh sighed,

Your head will move up, your shoulders square

You’ll look your monster in the eye in a cool, long stare,

And say, “I dare you to break me, I dare!”