TRIALS' OF A MAN


    Once a child, a small boy from many seasons' past,


       In this time and place destined to be a man.


       Through many battles I've had to persevere,


      Like heading Into a strong neve rending wind.


   I'm learning to move away from the confrontation,


      Choosing a new direction, energy not wasted.


  Struggling to do everything right as I walk forward,


 Positive lessons' to take ahead, I've learned from my past.


  At one time I put away my faith, put It high on a shelf,


      Keep living, keep moving along, and try always.


   I've had losses and love lost but this won't end me,


          In this, things gained simultaneously.


  I still seek some of what's been lost, still within reach,


             Some gone forever, forever a memory.


                                                                        Keith Garrett