You Have A Choice

When you feel so very much that your mind begins to tear,
When every word makes wounds spread over every thought and care,
When those you love, though present, seem too far to touch,
You wonder when you'll know peace, and if it costs too much.

When you feel so very deeply that feeling seems a curse,
When one more drop of hardship makes you feel you are immersed,
When living feels a death sentence, and death, the kindest grace,
You do not know why you try daily to save face.

When feeling people hurts, but not knowing how to shield,
When knowing you were hurting, not knowing how you healed,
When surrounded by hurt, no matter where you turn,
You ache to feel more like them, in hopes that you would learn.

When words you speak, meant to help, cause only further pain,
When all your tidying up leaves only dirt and stain,
When recipients of your good intentions think you full of it,
You have a choice.  You can persevere, or you can quit.

You can quit.  You can lay down in the crummy dirt, to stay.
You can throw away your tomorrows, and finish your last day.
You can turn a blind eye to the others who, round you, lie,
When deep inside you lives someone you know won't stay to die.

You have this choice.  No matter what your state, it's there.
You know what you will do.  You know.  You know you care.
You will get up, fast or slow, but no matter, you'll persevere.
Seconds, or minutes, or hours, or days, or weeks, or months, or years.

When you get back up, others will still lie around.
Go to just one of them.  Help just one rise from the ground.
That someone, whomever they are, will help you then to heal.
This is the treasure waiting,
For those
Who dare
To feel.

Adam Scott Campbell