Would you be the same

if you were not tested and tried?

Would you be the same

to those who trampled

you beneath their feet?

Would you be the same

to those whose indignities

caused you pain?

Would you be the same

to those who turned their back

to you in your distress?

Would you be the same

if you had hoarded hate

forgotten to forget and move on?

Would you be the same

if you had not stood at locked entrances

waiting for chances that never came?

Would you be the same

if you had not learnt to gather yourself

and move on to heed your heart’s calling?

Would you be the same

if breaking upon the slightest blows

you had not mended yourself?

Would you be the same

if life  had taken a kinder path

and showered you with kisses?

Would you be the same

if love, appreciation and fame

had greeted you at every turn?

Would you be the same

life turned to ask

if I had not led you through paths unknown?