Acceptance Of Fate

Of all the lessons learned in life
By every creed in turn,
Acceptance is the costliest
Mankind has had to learn.

The price is often self-esteem,
And life must yield as well.
It also charges interest,
On that, I shall not dwell.

But just by way of mentioning,
Though bitter is defeat;
Recovery sure is sweeter,
The sooner it's complete.

Acceptance of each circumstance,
Is one great truth of life.
But often comes at quite a cost,
Much suffering and strife.

The hardest thing to realize,
When all is said and done;
Accepting losses in ones life,
Is one sure sign you've won.

Sometimes the greatest victory
Is learning to endure,
Defeat that seems unbearable;
When at first glance, for sure.

Acceptance of this living truth
Is not so hard to bear.
It's something man can't seem to learn
In struggles everywhere.

But here is wisdom to the wise,
Or those who wish to be;
For those who seek a happy life,
Acceptance is the key.

The costs you have to pay to bear
This single solemn truth,
Are those you need to sacrifice,
Your pride and fear, forsooth.

The choice is one each has to make.
And each is justified.
Depending on your view of life,
I'll argue for each side.

The core of this dilemma then
Is just to understand;
Depending on the choice you make,
You'll live or die as planned.

Acceptance then, includes the fate
You choose on fateful days.
To leave this world a sacrifice,
Or live in other ways.

GREENWOLFE 1962