Preparation

There are so many ways

this whole dream could end

that I’ve gone beyond worrying.

In the end, I have to take my stand,

have to be unmoved,

uncowed by all the threats,

because life is like that, I guess —

Seedlings make their stands

on impossible outcroppings.

Sometimes they grow anyway,

into big trees.

If everything changes

I will still 

do what seems best at the time,

still fight for life and love,

still be

whatever it is I am.

So my best preparation

is to know what that is

and live it,

fearlessly, fiercely,

with all my heart.

©Wendy Mulhern

October 16, 2013