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