I am stripped. I’ve lost it all. There is no one to blame but me

I have lived a unique life; so many times over I have had it all

Yet I am stripped force to look and see what left of me

Is this just? Have I not given my all to see what was left be a memory?

My faith tested so many times, my will challenged in the face of adversity

Mine was a life of measures, opportunities give and taken but never gracious

In this life I am given memories of beautiful faces, smiles and laughter

And yet again like the phoenix I am forced to rise if not one last time

My will still keeps me breathing my thoughts race with the steps I take

My eyes look forward and up to the sky day and night. My inner prayer,

Yet again asking for a way to move on and climb a mountain so high I see

Only clouds covering the peak. With what I can carry I’m stripped down… 

My only possessions now are memories and shear will, blood, sweat and tears.