Ode to Oneself (poem)

There is a thought which towers above most,
Standing as a cliff overlooking all.
The truth, the answer, protecting the coast.
To seek it, worthy -- be wary not to fall,
For the height it allows -- unknown danger.
Be true to yourself, no matter critics:
Ugly or kind; stand out or stay in line.
To yourself a stranger
Will you remain. Thus remove these ticks.
If you see it, follow that glowing sign.

Once did I nearly fade and waste myself:
Each day a challenge to my weakened mind.
I sported the wounds but I regained health --
Let this be the beacon to help us all find
Our niche, so all days may be worth living.
Fulfil roles of child, comic and true friend;
Let the mirror praise rather than taunt:
If you take up giving
You will receive countless more by the end --
Emotionally plush, rather than gaunt.

This is not to be flawless, but to know:
A diverse picture, though great, be scratched.
A flower trodden may still seeds sew --
Make the most of life before it is snatched.
We all know the end, so let us create
Whatever tale we wish with remaining days!
If it's cliché then I reject the word:
The search for one true mate
Could be called the same. The sun's latest rays
Are all we have: why not take flight like bird?

If you disagree and find yourself squirming,
Take hold of this and cast it to the flame:
This is mere emotion; life affirming.
If your life has no path then don't lay blame
On any other: use your strongest grip,
Don't let it drift away -- we have no other.
Life is a drink and cannot stay fluid:
So liberally sip
From yours. Treat your passion like your brother:
Cherish it: we are mortality's kid.

When it rains, let it rain. You can't stop it,
Forget an umbrella; let it soak you:
Stop and enjoy droplets -- or even sit!
Why should we let water ruin our view?
Though any can drown, most evaporates.
Running down your face, but not forever:
We have this or death -- I know what I want:
It invigorates
To hear "rags to riches" instead of "never";
Why not say "I can" instead of "I can't"?

From mornings where I wanted to sleep
-- Sleep forever -- now each day is a chance
Where humanity may rightly seep:
Philosophy, state of mind, or trance:
The worse I feel, the more there is to gain.
The smaller I stand, the more I must reach:
As easy as it was, the more I try:
The less I felt, more pain
I was struck by -- maybe more I can teach.
The more I crawled, the more I want to fly.

* * *

The inspiration for this poem comes from my own positive attitude and this quote (from Hamlet Act 1, Scene 3, line 78):

Polonius: ...to thine own self be true.