I Fight The Battle In Front Of Me

RH

A note from Dr. Hendrix

This poem grew out of my polio — the boy who measured every step so he would not fall, and the man who refused the cane, stood on mountain peaks, and rode the edge of breaking waves anyway. I wrote it because I have only ever known one way to live: fight the battle right in front of you, and refuse to be carried.

Dr. Roger Hendrix · We share these stories so you can know the family behind GreenTeaHP.
I had polio, I was aware of every step I took, measuring each to ensure I didn’t Fall to the ground   It toughened me. I refused to use a cane. or take the cart ride from the plane.   I’ve stood on a mountain peak, on the floor of valleys below, ridden the edge of breaking waves, and dived deep below and felt the shadow of a whale passing through   I saw the rears of those who passed me by, yet kept going until I arrived at the place I decided to go   I’ve tried it all, falling short, yet making  it up as I go   I fight the battle in front of me, not the one that is now behind me