Steadfast

A single step in the right direction

And debris rains on us

The winding path

Littered with hardships that seem to make a fuss

We tread this path

With a purpose in sight

Bombarded with temptations

At the far end of the tunnel, a glimpse of light

Sometimes, sometimes

The comfort lies in straying off path

In taking the road that doesn’t wind

One that (seemingly) holds no wrath

Sometimes

The solace seems to lie in

Giving in; letting go

In succumbing to what we think will make us win

“Just one look.”

“Just one text.”

“A single party.”

“There will be no next.”

We are approached with false promises

By monsters cloaked in angel’s wings

Promises of luxury, extravagance

Promises to make us kings

We hesitate at the precipice of our journey

Their hands beckon to us; so inviting

Our bodies turn slightly

We are close to giving up; we are done fighting

Their world promises so much comfort

And we want to be able to walk

Without thorns pricking us in every direction

Want a path to tread with not a single roadblock

But steadfast, strong travelers

For our time here is limited

At the end of the easier-looking path is only sorrow

And the comfort we seek in that path is merely primitive

As we have been promised

Verily, with every hardship, there is ease

As long as we persevere

The harsh wind of sufferings will turn into a fine breeze

The hardships that turn us away at first

Become lessons, points of strength; honing our expertise

Testifications for a beautiful tomorrow

Because verily, with hardship, there is ease

Verily, with hardship, there is ease

By Kainat Azhar