One Day at a Time

Underneath the scorching sun,

Where the battles are never won,

I find my way, just trying to stand,

A heavy heart and an open hand.

Saturday dawned in a whirl of heat,

I crouched on the sidewalk, desolate, discreet,

Hoping to gather coins or two,

But my strength unraveled, my spirit askew.

Judged by eyes that won’t see,

A survivor, just trying to be,

My past like shadows, it clings and grips,

Yet I dream of freedom, my heart still trips.

One day at a time, I’m walking this line,

Under the weight of a world that isn’t mine,

Through the stares, through the scorn, I’ll fight, I'll believe,

In kindness and hope, I refuse to grieve.

A Facebook post, it spread like flame,

Gratitude whispers, not looking for fame,

Workers with hearts of silver and gold,

Lift me up, their compassion unfolds.

Sheltered once more from the cruel sun’s rage,

With a new tent to turn another page,

Every act of kindness, a light in the dark,

Shows me the way, ignites a spark.

One day at a time, I’m walking this line,

Under the weight of a world that isn’t mine,

Through the stares, through the scorn, I’ll fight, I'll believe,

In kindness and hope, I refuse to grieve.

So here's to the nights when I felt all alone,

To the days where the struggle became my own,

Through the judgment, I rise, bound to defy,

Eyes fixed on Houston, I’m reaching for the sky.

One day at a time, I’m walking this line,

Under the weight of a world that isn’t mine,

Through the stares, through the scorn, I’ll fight, I'll believe,

In kindness and hope, I refuse to grieve.

With each step, I’m breaking the chains,

Hope’s a river flowing through the pains,

I've seen the worst, but I still hold tight,

To dreams in the darkness, I'll find my light.