Neither Fear, nor Shame, nor Exhaustion Will Stop Us.

Resilience is the blood which must flow through our veins.

With the pandemic at last showing signs of weakening, or at least our ability to combat it both physically and mentally, we are now embraced by the another plague more deadly than any virus. That virus breathing death across Ukraine’s borders is hubris.

As our thoughts and emotions run to the masses huddled against Putin’s blood-thirsty brigades, we must take a moment to admire the immensity of resilience within the human soul, within the spirit of the Ukraine.

Hands demand and thrust outward Grime caked nails grab and claw Wanting a morsel of me Eyes bloated with fear search for escape

I walk past untouched, the purity of my future unscathed I witness poverty fight disillusion When only sadness can ever win

Embarked on journeys unknown Fate draws a febrile sketch A life borne to the hubris of adventure Shares only hardship and bitterness

Tossed between wonder and dread Fighting leaden legs and hungry stomachs Like ants before natures might We trundle our hopes across the vastness of life

Expanses of mind twisted in harsh winds Loves lost and heartbreak found Morals festered in fear The spirit deforms to putrid decisions.

Where does solace rest in my heart? When will peace breathe in my mind? When will hope share the burden of my soul? Why did I set upon this venture?

Like a canvas, I shall be painted Like rock, water shall carve my spirit I am clay to be moulded by time. I am me and that is no crime.

In the words of the inspiring literary soul, Maya Angelou – “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ― Maya Angelou

Thanks for reading. Kevin