stalwart

In adversity our hearts are forged,
truths are learned or lies disgorged.
We become our best or worst and find
the inner parcels of our mind.
Both faithful friend or vicious foe
in trouble is discovered so.
Through fire is the iron wrought
and though the world with peril fraught,
we stalwart all must muddle onward
and never let our hearts be conquered
by the despair which lies in waiting
for the time when haters hating
pleasure in our lowest moment
hoping discord there to foment.
Here is when the trial's toughest.
Where the road ahead seems roughest
then, deep inside, we all must seek
(even in the times most bleak)
for the kernel, scrap or shred,
even the most tiny thread,
of our self that's bright and shining
to lead us to our silver lining.
Though clouds within may storm and rage
here in the tempest we may gauge
the measure of our self-assurance,
fortitude, pluck, and endurance
and empathy and kindness gained
in trial likelier is retained.
Learning this we may venture out
into the world, unplagued by doubt.
Tis better thus, ourselves to know
than in ignorance to onward go.