I am alive.

[easttexaslefty]

I Am Alive
By: Jeff Shuck

I may have lost my brother, my sister, my parent, my child, my spouse, my friend, but I am a survivor of the long dark night of unspeakable loss, the unbearable pain, of my own darkness... and I am alive.

I am unwilling to stand idly by and allow shame to defeat love, or silence to defeat action. I stand for the enlightenment of a society that would hide from suicide, that would avoid, that would pretend... and I am alive.

I am unwilling for my perseverance to be in vain, unwilling for the passing of my loved one to be in shame. I loved them more than I loved myself and their life will have meaning in my action. I am resolved..., and I am alive.

In a world blinded by the pursuit of pleasure, I am here to say that people are in pain. In a world rushing to get ahead, I am here to say that people are being left behind. In a world obsessed with the value of the market, I am here to speak for the value of life..., and I am alive.

This will be no quiet fight, for I am the voice of audacity in the face of apathy.
I am the spirit of bravery in a world of action. I am a commitment to action in the face of neutrality. I am out of the darkness; I am into the light. And, I am alive.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Wow.

Thank you!

[gateley]

2. Inspirational. Recommend. nt

[Mnemosyne]

3. Hear, hear! Beautifully stated, Jeff! K&R n/t

[Mojeoux]

4. Well Alright !!.........................NT

[roguevalley]

5. resounds with the last speech in Grapes of Wrath