Suffering

The fire of suffering 

Becomes an offering

When we don’t hold back 

Considering it a setback

Through suffering we learn

Lessons we readily spurn

It becomes the gold we wear

Having withstood a fiery scare

Suffering leaves no stain

Nuggets of wisdom remain 

When we hold on with patience 

All is witnessed by conscience 

That voice becomes ours

Our words soften like flowers 

When we accept suffering

As a temporary covering