by Otis Blackledge
(Elba, Alabama)
I strive every day to expect a victory in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. I claim pain, fear, defeat and humiliation as my right. I know that fate and destiny are all words used by people who are too lazy to do the work. I'm trying to achieve perfection although that I know there is no perfection in this world.
I refuse to not stop on my own performance. My commitment is to live with the perfection that is in me. My strength never gives up despite falling to earth. I will get up and start again, reinforced only with courage and determination. I will always remember that all of these are my curse, my hope, my pain, my joy, my triumph, my tragedy, my dream, my nightmare, my excuse and my purpose to reach my goal.