Cheerleading For The Soul

For men who fight death daily,

Whose minds are their own worst enemy,

Breathe in an army of Angels,

Fight self loathing barbs

With sweet loving kindness,

Accept first, your ruthless hatred

Of your self

And overwhelm it

With acceptance,

Embrace your meanness tenderly

Forgive it-

It is not you,

It is your sickness,

And the shame that chokes you

Is its way of keeping you sick.

Applaud your smallest victory

And fight this fight continuously,

If your mind will not sleep

You must swing your weary sacred sword

Until your arms fall off,

And then continue swinging

With the relentless beat

Of your loving heart.

Stand up alone in the deepest center

Of your truest self

And scream at the top

Of your breathing lungs,

“You will not win!”