NAVIGATING TROUBLED WATERS
http://www.maverickmagazine.com/articles/285/1/NAVIGATING-TROUBLED-WATERS/Page1.html
John Medl
John Medl is a 2004 graduate of the University of Dayton. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2006. By John Medl
Published on 07/16/2004
A boat I have elected myself the captain
Attempting to steer ashore
The turmoil rising from below
The thunder pounding from above
I am surrounded---
Attempting to steer ashore
The turmoil rising from below
The thunder pounding from above
I am surrounded---
A boat I have elected myself the captain
Attempting to steer ashore
The turmoil rising from below
The thunder pounding from above
I am surrounded---
And I am supposed to find land?
The sea sees no penalty when chaotic
But woe to the mind when disturbed
Shaken off course---
With an earthquake off the charts
My whole functioning without the parts
Vital to survive and succeed.
A persistent bleed from my heart through my skin
So the heart is where I shall begin
To repair what has failed for years.
I have survived typhoons and tidal waves countless times
I have crossed uncrossable lines
And disaster has gratefully let me prepare
For the misfortunes fortunate enough to plague me.
An easy task for they have seen stronger
But they will not weaken me a minute longer
Unknown, a formidable enemy clenches his fist
Executing his plans down the list.
The resilient may at first seem meek
The strong at first weak
But victory hides in the end
A winner wins at the finish of a race
Not the beginning, soon to be erased.
Others are happy just to place
But winners all the same.
A spirit deserving of a name
But no one word could do justice
Call it a spark or flame
They wonder whom to blame
For these countless, relentless tries--
The sun dies, the wind cries, and the sea subsides.
You will not hold me back, turbulent sea
For my soul will set fire
As the kindling lay before me.
Fuel for my motor
A motivation unseen by woe or worry
A whirlwind of fury---
Let it strike down
Those who dare subjugate me
Under an umbrella of expectations
That even God would fall short.
But I will not, I refuse
To let abuse abuse me
I remain untouched and will forever be.
Copyright © John Medl, 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Attempting to steer ashore
The turmoil rising from below
The thunder pounding from above
I am surrounded---
And I am supposed to find land?
The sea sees no penalty when chaotic
But woe to the mind when disturbed
Shaken off course---
With an earthquake off the charts
My whole functioning without the parts
Vital to survive and succeed.
A persistent bleed from my heart through my skin
So the heart is where I shall begin
To repair what has failed for years.
I have survived typhoons and tidal waves countless times
I have crossed uncrossable lines
And disaster has gratefully let me prepare
For the misfortunes fortunate enough to plague me.
An easy task for they have seen stronger
But they will not weaken me a minute longer
Unknown, a formidable enemy clenches his fist
Executing his plans down the list.
The resilient may at first seem meek
The strong at first weak
But victory hides in the end
A winner wins at the finish of a race
Not the beginning, soon to be erased.
Others are happy just to place
But winners all the same.
A spirit deserving of a name
But no one word could do justice
Call it a spark or flame
They wonder whom to blame
For these countless, relentless tries--
The sun dies, the wind cries, and the sea subsides.
You will not hold me back, turbulent sea
For my soul will set fire
As the kindling lay before me.
Fuel for my motor
A motivation unseen by woe or worry
A whirlwind of fury---
Let it strike down
Those who dare subjugate me
Under an umbrella of expectations
That even God would fall short.
But I will not, I refuse
To let abuse abuse me
I remain untouched and will forever be.
Copyright © John Medl, 2004. All Rights Reserved.