Don't Give Up

Hello again, dear reader. 

For those of you who haven't heard about Project Semicolon, here is their mission statement:

"Project Semicolon is a global non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love and inspire. Stay strong; love endlessly; change lives."

I first heard of this project through my Twitter feed, and I have been thinking about the semicolon a lot in recent times. And the more I think about it, the more I like it. The semicolon is not the end; the semicolon is merely a pause in a story, in a sentence. The words continue after the pause; the story continues. 

And that, dear reader, is the basis behind this poem. I hope you enjoy it.
Rod E. Kok
December 1, 2015

I won't give up,

nor will I

give in.

My story will not end

by my own hand.

Although I am led

by un-holy thoughts,

I will fight

to the bitter end.

When my eyes look away,

I will pray

for strength to close them.

If my body's desire

is to serve itself,

I will try to treat it

as the temple it is.

I won't give up,

this story

will not end.

Yet it seems so simple

to take that easy way out.

Don't give up;

I won't

give in.

http://www.projectsemicolon.org/