what am i here for
if not to be
more than a shell
that moves and breathes
more than an empty
lifeless corpse
existing, untouched
unscathed, unhurt

what am i here for
if not to touch
the thorns of life
the sting of love
to see the flower
blossom, grow
then wither, fade
in winter’s snow

what am i here for
if not to taste
joy and sorrow
pleasure, pain
to feel the breath
of summer’s sun
yet when it burns
refuse to run

what am i here for
if not to hold
the warmth of life
‘til it grows cold
to walk in suffering’s
weary shoes
to cherish scars
to win, to lose

what am I here for
beyond this life
wrought with toil
and bitter strife
beyond myself
beyond my needs
beyond my loss
beyond my greed

what am i here for
if not to live
for more than what
this earth can give
more than the dreams
of mortal man
could ever place
within my hands

 

Source: Living with Legacy in Mind

Photo Credit: Walking – Free images on Pixabay