Oh Adversity

OH ADVERSITY

Oh adversity,
I did not seek you out
Nor desire your strong cords
to twist and pull and shape my soul.
You sought me,
and linger still,
pulling tightly one way
or twisting deeply another.
Though I wish you to leave, you stay
wrenching me in different ways,
shaping me into firmer stuff,
chipping away my weaker parts,
forming me into a stronger,
more formidable foe
who will not bend or fall
or become as jello
trembling at your work on me.
The end result will be a better me.
A stronger, humbler, happier me.
So I welcome you, adversity.
Twist and shape and pull
and make me the person I was meant to be.
Though I did not seek you,
you sought me
and I see you now as friend.