Plumb Line

It is the brutal way that leads farthest
Late nights that slide, fade into day
With no lessening of concentration --
To be otherwise is not a viable option
It is the relentless walking of the brutal way
Which necessarily obtains its end
Drawing in, closing in, fundamentally
With agonizing setbacks, slowness, perhaps,
Sly despair crouching in wait for weakness --
None exists, as weakness is irrelevant
And the reached-for must inevitably be gained

J. Horne