Things I Fought For

I found myself smaller and smaller against the blue.
Alone at the bottom of the world,
Nothing else in the raft but faith and fate.
So I took a risk and broke out the oars, saying,
"Honestly there's gotta be more to see than this endless sea."

So carelessly and irrevocably I started to save me
But not once did I imagine a design so grand and fearfully made.
This raft a patchwork of measured words, reverent deeds,
And whispered prayers of "Hope this works",
Carried me further than I could imagine.

Did not love the hardships,
Nor question the validity of the difficulty,
But appreciated the current that dragged me to where I ought to be.
If this is all just a metaphor for growing up,
Why did it have to be tested by such a rough sea?

Saw angels and demons in the waves,
Found the fire in my throat,
Took open risks on open seas,
Coped with salt written into open memories,
And pulled in the wind with the possibilities.

I fought for myself.
I fought for myself.
I fight for myself.

Our Chorus

Oh how you burst, old friend.
Catch an eye, caught a spark,
Outside, in the dark.
I swear I can hear our laughter,
Further ahead, further on up.
I promise I can do my best,
To let you know you're being cared for.
This story has had quite the cast of characters,
So I step back to see the whole tapestry.

Now I am struck by these moments passing on.
Fall trees, falling leaves, golden on the ground.
Lines of magnificent adults forging words for one another.
Lonely intersections full of past and present possibility.
A man offering a chestful of support for lover's tired head.
Wordless, breathless airport reunions sequel anxious longing looks.
Snow falls on this silent night, holy night, a world at rest.

So be at peace; be still when you sleep.
Find the right words for each person
And guard your heart from a bitter erosion.
Share but not steal, be honest to heal.
Rise each day, place determination in your steps,
Boldness in word and deed, and over all of these,
Hope.

Brother Moon

I may have come first,
Content to go nowhere fast.

Holding this orbit,
Meant to last.

Sun stands still,
All else moves.

Time may ebb and flow,
Depending where you stand.

Different paces,
Occupying different spaces.

So I as Brother Moon, will give my best,
Lighting the dark along with the stars.

Sometimes I may be half here,
Quarter, sliver, gone, not for long.

Wait out my dark and I'll wholly shine.

So even when I'm not 'round,
You can still seek me out,
And don't wait to make myself known:
But wherever you roam
I won't be far from home.