THE JOSHUA WEINZWEIG REVIEW OF WRITING 2020-2021
OPPORTUNITIES GIVEN ____________________________________________________________ by Beverly Zeng, Grade 12 Everyday we are given, Given something that is everything: Given chances, given opportunities. Is it easy to take when so much is given? Will you grasp at the infinite, fine, frail sand, Next to the vast sea with the fresh salty breeze, Spreading further out than eyes could possibly see? Could you mould that frail sand into strong glass? Or will you let the sand slip through your hands, Scattering away like ants without purpose? Will you take what is given? Flash a bright smile. Go ahead. Take. Can you handle the weight of what’s given? What to do now? What to do with what’s given? Will it always be a given That these givens are positive? You might even be given a punishment Given to teach a lesson. Will you find yourself giving into pressure That crushes fresh silt into quicksand? No longer among the free grains of sand at the open seashore, But trapped in the paralyzing jungle Where you’re no longer sun-kissed, but scorched In the restrained wilderness of life. Will you lose your support and give in to the weight? Will you escape? Or will you be left to submerge? Grasp at them, your givens, feel their worth and use them well. As you build up, the opportunities will feel lighter. Will you use this high-pressure to form tough glass, As you learn to use what’s given? Give it a look, as you have given your best, In your turn, could will be your given?
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