Smiling Alone1

The strength to be weak

       to see oneself

       -- one’s weakness

       and to accept it -- in front of everyone

The strength to change, to move on -- against the tide -- all alone

The strength to demolish -- that which one had built

       in many long years

       with one’s own hands

       in great pain and with great love

And the strength to dream -- once again

The strength to build again

       to demolish again

       and to dream -- yet again

The ambition to achieve -- nothing

The ambition to make the effort

And the heart to see that -- as achievement

The courage to lose, and to see that -- as triumph

The courage to bear -- persecution, banishment

And the power to take revenge --

       by forgiving

       and loving

       and giving

The gift of giving -- one’s own self

       without letting anyone know

       and of smiling alone

1. For your sake, Lord.