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Writer's pictureTim Huber

Just For Today

A rhyme came to mind

when I woke to find

shadowy demons

scratching my eyes:


“Are you ready to start the day?

To be tested in every way?”


My demons don’t sleep.

My shadows don’t wake.

My demons don’t dream.

My shadows don’t play.


Shadows and demons,

night and day,

fight for my feelings

in every way.


But your soul can’t be taken by demons alone.

The shadows can’t force you under a headstone.


You say take when it’s give,

it’s a choice not to live.


‘cause demons do ask,

shadows only make

the step toward death

easier to take.


Fight for feeling,

don’t give it away.

Fight for me,

just for today.


 

Have you ever (even after a full night of sleep) woken up and immediately realized that the day is going to be a fight? It can make you feel outnumbered and outmatched, like you can't go on much longer. If we're honest, I think we each have a lot of those days. If we don't, it might be an indicator that we don't really see the problems we're facing. 

After the fourth stanza, you may notice that it switches perspectives ("my" turns to "you"). This is as much a call to action as it is a self-realization. If you know someone who's struggling and who may feel like giving up, text or call them, encourage them to fight a little longer. It's amazing how much of a difference it can make to know that someone is rooting for you and wanting you to keep going. It might not help you understand the "why", but that will come in time. 

Last week's poem was pretty dismal, and while it may be in a similar vein, I think there's a bit more hope in this week's poem. This poem isn't a complex thought with an interweaved message; it's not even all that creative, but I don't think it needs to be. I think the core of the poem is clear and applicable whichever side of the struggle you find yourself on. 

I hope you have a great weekend!

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