I Am Resilient

• Matthew Barnes, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2013

I am resilient but weakening
I wonder how long I can bear it
I hear the constant pounding
I see waves of my own sorrow coming at me, never ceasing
I want it to end
I am resilient but weakening

I pretend I'm in another place; it doesn't work
I feel the force of the waves pushing me away, destroying me
I touch the coldness and despair as it surrounds me
I worry that I may not make it, that I'll get washed away
I cry at the helplessness of it all
I am resilient but weakening

I understand that it will never end
I say that one day my anguish will get the better of me
I dream that I can fly, and be above the reach of the waves
I try to be a rock and not let them overcome me, but I'm cracking
I hope I can survive it
I am resilient but weakening