Emerging Courageous Online Magazine

Emerging Courageous Online Magazine - Poetry

The Ladder by Leona Ebling

Starting to climb before I was born
A small preemie of only 2 ½ pounds
Surviving all odds at the time of my birth
But given a chance to prove what I am worth

Sacrifices were made to help me learn and grow,
Lots of good care and love to bestow.
I climbed on to security and safe from the world
I was gramma and grampa's tiny little girl

I'm climbing again with doubts and fears.
To school, facing all of the pressure of peers.
Shy and insecure when I was faced with these steps,
I clamored, and struggled, and needed more help.

There is no such word as "I can't" I so often was told
Our future is in our own hands, we are what we hold
Just wade out there and put "Mind over matter" and try,
Another step to climb as you reach for the sky

66 years, a child, a teen and then a wife,
48 years of happiness came along with my strife.
A lot more steps as children were born.
Tears were shed, and some heart scars were formed.

21 more treasures some of them still hid from sight
as grandchildren came and grew up overnight
now 14 greats and more treasures to come
steps on up toward heaven before my climbing is done

Yes I am climbing on up, still struggling up the steps
I only wish I could change some of the mistakes I regret
Not any of my "blessings" of family or friends
Just would try to make easier footsteps for them

Footsteps I have left behind me on the ladder of life
As I struggled and danced along in joy or in strife.
I can not change anything, I can only say to you
Climb your ladder with thought many are watching you.

By Leona Ebling
Feb. 8, 2004
[email protected]

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