The Struggle. by Wayne F. Burke

if I had a beard

I could stroke it;

one like Ho Chi Minh

had,

wispy gray;

I could wrap strands

about my finger

and contemplate how to

continue the struggle,

fighting not

to win

(out of the question)

but to keep on

for as long as I can--

keep trying

until

conditions change,

or not--

keep trying,

anyway.

Wayne F. Burke has published 5 full-length collections of poetry. His most recent publication, IN DREAMS WE CHASE THE LION, is available through Alien Buddha Press.