Wolf

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
WOLF
Voices echo in the cavern of solitude
Emotions scream in the void of loneliness
Tears run in the fear of empty tomorrows
Pain bites into the shadows of hope
Desire grows in the absence of purpose
Breathing is deepened in the search for new life
Anxiety ferments in the cauldron of doubt
Time stretches to feel treble its weight
Age climbs with no elixir in sight
Wisdom calms the inner struggle with acceptance
Knowledge offers no answer but the truth
Truth offers no solace but its honesty
Honesty offers no love but its clarity
Passing time offers no pain relief but its certainty
Acceptance offers no solution but its balance
Balance offers no change but its equity
We arrive alone and we leave alone
Share your soul whilst you are here
Touch a soul and leave your mark
Accept the tattoo of another’s soul
Be grateful for this blessing
Be honoured for this chance
Be reverent for the gift
Choose the path that brings strength with peace
Love with hope
Open eyes and open heart
Opportunity with preparedness
Compassion with consideration
Patience with care
Understanding with a willingness to learn
Feed the Wolf
© Iain Merchant 2020
…the battle is in us all…