In Retrospect

I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great

BY STEPHEN SPENDER

I think continually of those who were truly great.

Who, from the womb, remembered the soul’s history

Through corridors of light, where the hours are suns,

Endless and singing. Whose lovely ambition

Was that their lips, still touched with fire,

Should tell of the Spirit, clothed from head to foot in song.

And who hoarded from the Spring branches

The desires falling across their bodies like blossoms.

What is precious, is never to forget

The essential delight of the blood drawn from ageless springs

Breaking through rocks in worlds before our earth.

Never to deny its pleasure in the morning simple light

Nor its grave evening demand for love.

Never to allow gradually the traffic to smother

With noise and fog, the flowering of the spirit.

Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields,

See how these names are fêted by the waving grass

And by the streamers of white cloud

And whispers of wind in the listening sky.

The names of those who in their lives fought for life,

Who wore at their hearts the fire’s centre.

Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun

And left the vivid air signed with their honour.

To Jump from Every Sinking Ship

Some of us think we are sinking into despair and eventually spiraling to failure.

But is that all there is to life? Pain, misery, and agony?

Truthfully, even I doubt sometimes that things will get better. I go through the daily motions of life and wonder if this—the strain—would be worth it. But what else is there, except to keep on moving?

Handling a lot of things is difficult especially when you need to tip the scales, but with an appropriate way of dealing, you just might get it right.

And you may sit there, thinking, what is appropriate? On that note, here are some things I have laid out for you to do.

1. Accept

 Every thing may look like a mess, but don't forget that someday you'll be in a better situation. You should be able to accept the state you're in at the moment. I know it's easier said than done, but fretting about your situation won't do any wonders; you'll just stress yourself out. Remember that these challenges are here to test your strength. They are keys in honing yourself to become a better person.

2. Seek help

Talking to other people or writing down your thoughts is a big help. Getting your feelings off your chest will aid you in dealing with the downsides of life. Try talking to your family or friends. Explain how you're feeling and ask what you should do, if ever the need arises.

There is always someone out there who is willing to listen.

3. Rest

Take a break. Do things for yourself once in a while, otherwise you'll be exhausted. Read a book, draw a picture, go out with your friends, or listen to music. It's refreshing and it ought to clear your mind, giving you time to mull over your current circumstances.

4. Observe

Reflect on your situation. Think rationally and don't let your emotions get the better of you. Look at the facts and determine what the best method is to deal with it. Analyze your plan and take note of the possible consequences. This way, you'll be sure of what to do and know how to bear the brunt.

5. Act

Don't sit back and wait for the problem to solve itself. Step up to the challenge and keep a clear head. Most of all, do what is right even though it is never easy. Fear won't get you anywhere. Getting out of your comfort zone is a worthwhile experience.



Know that you aren't the only one having a hard time—and I don't say that to disparage you or make your feelings unimportant, but only to say that I have felt like that before and I know where you're standing.

But really, struggles are part of life. One would think that we're already used to them because we've faced them countless times. Every time, though, something new comes up and the element of surprise is always there.

The way we deal with a challenge mostly depends on our perception. If we look at it in a positive light, then we'd see it as an opportunity for progress.

However, if we always view it as a hindrance,  we'd deal with it badly and we won't be able to move forward.

A Link to Life

Every person leaves a legacy – the only difference is whether it's adverse or favorable.

We won't be remembered for what we had. We'll realize, one way or another, that the tangible things are sometimes of little depth and importance. Our actions determine what we'll leave behind. In fact, what will be etched into the minds of others are the differences that we try to make, no matter how little.

I would like to be recalled as a dedicated person. Living life beyond oneself—being bound to a cause greater than my own—is something I have always wanted to do. Making a genuine, if not relevant, contribution to humanity is nearly impossible, but I can at least try. I can't change the way of the world or what people do, but I can do my part.

The future is obscure, and I don't have an inkling of what could possibly happen. One thing is clear, though: I won't pass without reaching my purpose—my main goal in this world.

Help is quite possibly the best thing to give, and surely the greatest thing to receive in return. And that... Well, that's the best I could do and leave behind—an imprint that, yes, I have managed to help someone and make even the slightest alteration in their lives, leaving a faint trace to their memories.  

Knowing that I was able to help even one person would mean that my life was not lived in vain. And that is more than enough for me.

Drifting on Stormy Seas

Those are waves, by the way. That was something I whipped up quickly. Sorry.

Drifting on Stormy Seas
or Finding my Way Through High School

As I entered the waters 

I was surprised to see the changes

Gone were the days of repose,

Toil and endeavor in its place

The first year was awry,

The course I navigated truly rocky

Oftentimes my eyes would close

On their own accord, without a thought

The long hours took a toll on me

Made me lackluster and weary

I was less than enthused

When another day had dawned

It was unfair, I thought

But then I remembered

I wasn't the only one lost at sea,

The relentless waves crashing down on me

On the second year

I sailed the waters.

Accompanied by my comrades,

I found my way with ease

I channeled my concentration to work

Steering, always steering, my eyes cast ahead

Like a familiar pattern,

A practiced rhythm

Now, for the third time,

I am no longer unknowing

With friends by my side

I will brave the raging current

The wind is harsh

The tides more jarring

But I will face them unflinchingly

And hope to prevail

The trip is far from over

But over the horizon,

I see clearly

The place I strive to reach

Something Different

The first week of school was surprisingly fine, albeit exhausting.

When I stepped inside the classroom and glanced around, I knew I was in for a tricky journey - one that required perseverance and diligence. Many people have said that third year or Grade 9 is very difficult. I don't have much to say on the subject, considering that I've only been a junior for a week.

There were a lot of people I'm unfamiliar with, and only a few whom I really know in my class. I didn't really talk to all of my new classmates, since my social skills aren't exactly exceptional. Some of them are very loquacious and like to crack jokes all the time. Anyhow, I only talk to others when I have to ask a question. It made me feel uneasy, to say the least. But I think in due time it will be better.

The subjects were compelling, and I can't wait to learn more. Spanish, I think, will be fun and challenging. On the other hand, Math was incredibly taxing, since it isn't my strong suit. I literally experience a headache whenever I solve complicated problems. Lastly, I expect English would be fun and enlightening.

The teachers are very different from what I am used to. While they have a sense of humor, they can be downright strict. Unlike the set of teachers I had last school year, some of them expect us to be quick in doing our activities. Though this is fine with me, sometimes it tends to be extremely onerous. One time, we were doing an exercise, and before I could even write my answer, we were told to exchange papers. But I guess that's their method of teaching. I'll just have to adapt or else I'll fail. And as dismal as that is, it's the truth.

This is only the start, and there is more to come. Before I know it, I'll be caught up in a flurry of work, for better or for worse.

It's a cycle that never ends.