I was born into this life
not knowing how to speak or walk.

I learned to speak
not in flowing easily understood sentences,
but slowly, choppily, and with practice and
confidence learned
the fluidity of my speech grew.

My first steps were wobbly too.
I persisted realizing I could walk
and eventually run
much quicker and farther than I could crawl.

Sometimes, life feels like a balance beam.
Winds blow trying to knock me off.
Rains fall into my eyes making the way unclear.
I may drop to my knees and crawl again.
I may slither to my belly, hugging that beam
as I inch my way along,
and I may scream my incomprehensible language yet again
as my spirit urges me on..........................