The battle for a life lived

The fighting arena is stained with the blood and sweat of the battles that have taken place here before.
We find ourselves standing in the midst, staring down our opponent.
This is a fight we didn’t choose.
These are obstacles we would rather not face.
The battle promises to be a dangerous one.
We could leave.
We could turn our backs and retreat to safety.
Leaving may keep us from getting bruised, but we will certainly remain soft.
We won’t break a sweat, but we will remain stagnant.
Our hearts won’t beat faster with the rush of adrenaline, when we finally realize our goals.
That dream will remain a dream.
And at the end of it all, that life you’ve been given, will remain a life unlived.

30×48

Acrylic on canvas.