We all have our injuries,

inside and out,

the difference being the power

we let pain bring about.

It’s a choice we make,

to let suffering consume,

or to breathe through the hurt

and reach for the moon.

Some are undone

by the smallest of scars --

others soar through torment

and commune with the stars.

Yet we cannot judge

the levels of tolerance others choose --

we can only walk

in our own tight-fitting shoes.

Will we trudge down the path

Defeated by our load,

Or will we dance, light-footed,

along that yellow-brick road?