the hard way

narrow is the gate
and hard is the way
that leads to life
and those who
find it are few
(matthew 7:14)

there is a gate

and then a way

let us not

confuse the two

we enter

by the narrow gate

and then travel

the hard way

that leads to life

sometimes

i suppose

we are noble enough

or brave enough

or crazy enough

to actually choose

this hard way

but sometimes

the hard way

chooses us
we are neither asked
nor consulted

and when it does
choose us

there is no escape

there is only
a choice

to resist or embrace

the way upon which

we find ourselves
traveling

resisting

leads to anger
and bitterness

and embracing
leads to life

which will i choose

i choose life