strength of fortitude

life is not long enough; it takes great spiritual strength to live with hope

strength of fortitude it takes 

to hope and plan for tomorrow

a secret garden, a koi pond

with a lovely bridge over it

miniature cat tails aquatic plants

tiny delightful minnow fish with delicate fins

and bubbles

paradise for the eyes with peace surrounding

the centerpiece of your delight

you've so long planned for

you reflect upon the past 'n how quick it went

you think about the present retrospectively to the past

and the future 'n you know with your intellect

and groan with your spirit knowing

that its not enough; it will all fade away and be gone

it takes great strength and calm to follow the path 

in hope for tomorrow 

while knowing that something, anything will break

your peace eventually

something always does and will

it takes great strength of spiritual fortitude 

to break free of the sense of futility

strength stronger than that of beasts who 

perhaps don't think of the past, present or future

they perhaps live just for the moment

i don't know,

i asked my dog once 

'n he just politely cocked his head askew 

like dogs do

y'know?

i planned and built a secret garden pleasure

and then i thought how long before i could not enjoy it

i thought how long i would live to enjoy it