Is Surviving Living

By Gabriel Lee

I am surviving each day

That is how I am living

To be afloat and alive

Striving even if struggling

Some days may be negative

Some fumbling and some stumbling

Sometimes it’s a joyful plus

A day I’d say I’m thriving

That is how it is

A day full of coping

Sufficient in adjustments

A spirit daily hoping

Shake your head and say

Living is not surviving

It is not sufficient

To just be dialing striving

But that is my daily joy

Small victories I am floating

Thankful to have done some deeds

Joyful for this life sharing

So though I may just be here

And not on ports arriving

I smile with dawn’s warm sunrise

New day to go on caring

Don’t be sad for me today

Body still quite functioning

This view your eyes to see

I hope your heart accepting

I am surviving each day

That is a life worth living

Alive, thankful, and joyful

Living even if struggling

Gabriel Lee is the pseudonym of Neil Lee Ambasing, MD, FPCP, FPNA). Gabriel is his deceased’s father’s first name; Lee is his mother’s maiden name. He is an internist and neurologist practicing in Region I and Cordillera Regions. He writes, “I just write when I feel like it, a sudden inspiration, a sudden flow or cadence or rhythm, a sudden word or words that come to mind. Writing is therapy.” This poem was written on May 1, 2022 and was inspired by a cancer patient who continues to live life during this pandemic and by Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.

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