MY LAMP

A wall to climb, a trench to jump
Circumstances threaten, my joy to pump
Peers encroach to lead me astray they wish
But come what may my lamp must shine

Down on me the sun beats
Like a lost goat I bleat
Coins to pay with none ever earned
But come what may on and on I must trudge

Standards established, expectations to meet
Though so hard it is, all other passions into the air to fleet
On my knees I sink ere I sink into the slime
And smother the mantle so long a journey carried

Foolish it seems, my struggle to survive
Laugh you may, I got a soul to save
Emulate if you can, to the glory of my lighter
The one who trained the fighter in me

Trim, wipe and oil I will
All to keep my flame bright to the fill
Join if you wish, jeer if you want
But come what may my lamp must shine