When The Going Gets Tough

(for my darling sis facing a mountain)

though the darkness clings to silence

in a never ending night

in the distance there's a flicker

from a far off source of light

as i stand to greet its presence

i recall our father's voice

when he stated life's a challenge

yet we always have a choice

we can fold and let it break us

we can crumble from its weight

we can take the reins and drive it

till the road ahead is straight

when the tough days come to find us

our resolve should dig in deep

so our inner strength can guide us

when the pathway seems too steep

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a great poem of inspiration especially with how the last year has went. Many have had trials and struggles we never thought we’d see in our lifetime. This is a great way of looking at it. Take hold and take the struggle head on and move it in the direction you want it to travel.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you PB for your generous review. When the going gets tough we have to harness everything we've got to ride out the storm. All good wishes and I love your avatar. Always good to see a face behind a name.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

I don’t always add new photos on here. I like being obscure for it allows me to be more open. But I did decide it was time for a new one. Thank you

[Suzanne Sonderleigh]

Bravo! Love this poem! It’s uplifting and warm. I read it twice because it made me smile. It reminds me of Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” one of my favorites.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Suzanne. The road not taken is a favourite poem of mine too. Pleased you enjoyed.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Our sincere sympathy for the loss of your brother-in-law ... prayers for you and your sister and family. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your kindness Pat. You have the most compassionate heart.

[Patricia Wedel]

Our inner strength will guide us... like a Tide that brings us to a quiet place... We stumble and fall... and still we hear a whisper that although “Gibraltar may tumble" ... love is here to stay”.
Tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for visiting this page on what has been a glorious Sunday. No outings allowed yet, but my garden is a haven of peace and tranquility.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

A garden of peace and tranquility. I have been buying Tulips in bloom in pastel colors that are in pots of rich earth. They have no names, but I will start out with "peace" and "tranquility" ... hoping to plant them in the Spring, and perhaps they will bloom again in the years to come. They are stored in the cold garage, and the new Tulips are inside. Enjoy your Haven. We are having Rain for awhile. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thought, naming your tulips peace and tranquility. With each passing year when they bloom in spring may they bring you continued pastel joy Pat. Sending love across the waves.

[.]

When the tough days come to find us/our resolve should dig in deep.... So powerful statement. If it is not strong then any black storm can blow us away. But if the resolve is strong then only our misty eye can see a flickering of light that is coming from a far off place. I hope your loved ones got the strength to fight off such sadness... I am feeling really blessed to be a friend of yours... Love and hugs

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sima for that generous and uplifting response. You are appreciated.

Chris

[The Ink Chapters]

This is an empowering poem, I love the inspiration it brings. It is so true that we can either fight and persevere or we can crumble and allow it to break us. And sometimes we just need to be broken down so we can rebuild. Lovely poem, great read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. I wrote these lines for my sis. She has just lost her husband to covid. I was reminding her of our Dad's outlook on life. I am pleased to say she is her father's daughter. Many, many thank yous for your valued review.

Chris

[The Ink Chapters]

I'm so sorry for your families loss. Covid is a hell of a time for so many. Hey if you are online which it seems you are, take a look at the short story i just posted if you are bored. it's creepy so not everyone's cup of tea so if you don't want to i understand. but it was such a fun write i'm interested to see what others think!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your condolences. I have paid your story a visit. All good wishes.

[Dave]

Chris - this is so powerful and exhilarating. What an inspiration to someone who needs that extra push to see things through. Thank you for sharing.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. We have just lost my brother in law to covid, so my sis needs as much support as she can get. I always appreciate the kindness of your visits. Take care.

Chris

[Dave]

Oh my, I'm so sorry for you and your sis. Believe it or not, among those that I pray each evening is for you and "Barleygirl" All I ask is that He keeps you safe.
Chris - please, I pray, stay safe and the rest of your family too. - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Dave you are so kind and I thank you. Please stay safe yourself.

[Relic]

Lots of inspiration in these lines, Chris.

Excellent poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tim. Good to see you. Hope you are well and be sure to keep safe.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

The struggles of life seem harder in these days and times and so understand these words of yours ;-] Nicely expressed and I feel them.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Weeping willow. Your visit is appreciated.

Chris

[Broken.]

Learning strength from past obstacles is probably the best and hardest thing to do in life. But it is true, the more you overcome the stronger you become, and it helps when pessimism comes to rear its ugly head. I hope to harness this power one day haha. Great piece. I love the lines-
we can fold and let it break us
we can crumble from its weight
we can take the reins and drive it
till the road ahead is straight"..

I love these lines because the last line is so powerful in its meaning. Thank you for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for checking in Broken to share your thoughts. Most appreciated.

Chris