The journey

By Emmanuel Uduak-Obong Esther

Let us ascend in thoughts

To the sky and have a word

I mean a word or two

In peace and without rebellion.

Do not let their words capture you;

You are not among the living dead.

Walk with me and smile with me—

You are who God says you are.

Let not your decision be known

To them, but let your words

Be guarded with brass,

For surely they will try you.

Stay alert in every hour,

For even the brightest fell from power.

Challenges come to test your way;

Stand firm, and let your heart obey.

Be warned but do not be weary;

Let Christ in you be your hope of glory.

God made you while others slept—

Be comforted; your dawn will bloom.

Guard your tongue at all times,

Lest you die when you are still young.

Do not show your color everywhere,

For everything you do, eyes are watching.

Be wise as the serpent,

Be clothed with wisdom, and

Bury the hatchet in your mind,

That your wisdom may yield good fruit.

I tell you, Rome was not built in a day.

Study to show yourself approved.

You are on a journey; you can do better.

Walk in joy and build you with strength.