Life is a medieval gauntlet to be run
with strong will, tenacity, determination.
The gauntlet’s clubs and sticks
are simply a part of life’s challenges.
Early in life the run is simple: conquer childhood’s diseases,
get through school, embark on a career, live life.
The gauntlet’s stones and weights are love, commitment, dedication.
Middle age requires substantial confidence, trust, hope.
Long life presents a twisted, tricky gauntlet
of terrible tortures and trials, all roadblocks
to success, peace, happiness, caring and fulfillment.
Every challenge is faced with youth’s invulnerability.
The slow swinging pendulum of death’s dark
blade, can not be avoided, it must
be delayed, deceived, conquered
with determination, optimism.
Survival’s secret lies not in outlasting
life’s challenges, not in battles won or lost,
nor in the joys and sorrows
of life’s everyday experiences.
Survival in the gauntlet of life requires years of trial,
error, learning to face one’s toughest challenges.
Each of us requires all the help one can summon.
Life is ephemeral, tenuous, transient, temporary.
Adding your comment:
Thanks for sharing your words and wisdom framed in this poetic tapestry. 
today because WE CARE! 
penning dear bro...
