Persevere
Episode 1, February 2010
It’s been a long, frigid winter here in Minnesota, the nights seem extraordinarily long, the winds with an extra savage bite, and the hope of spring days ahead seem to be an impossible dream. It’s months like this that demand every fiber in our being to believe and to live out this one declaration: I will persevere.
Welcome to this Two Mile Stretch; February 2010, episode one.
There's something about February that challenges the soul of many mid-westerners like myself — you go stir-crazy within the confines of your home, the arctic days steal away your breath, and the long, dark nights leave you pining for warm summer days. There's not much to celebrate — Christmas is a distant memory, New Year's Day is just a painful reminder of that resolution you just can't keep, and unless celebrating the birthday of U.S. Presidents who've been long-dead is your thing, February doesn't leave much for us to rejoice over.
What carries us through to March and then to April? What is it that offers that extra boost to get out the door when the air temperature is about the same as a summer day on the Arctic Circle? And what helps us press on when the atmosphere drops another eight to twelve inches of thick snow to clear out of our driveways and sidewalks?
For some it's as simple as a hot cup of coffee or tea to warm cold fingers and jittery teeth, or for others the embrace of a loved one warming a frigid nose and rosy cheeks — it's just enough to help us make it through another dreary day. And maybe it's enough to remind ourselves of summer barbeque's at the park, or sinking our toes into warm sand at the beach, and parties to attend where we'll feast on tangy potato salad, fresh watermelon, a tall glass of iced tea. Better days are ahead. They always are.
Even now, the days are slowly growing longer, and before long we notice that it's dinner time and the sun is still shining — weather forecasters talk about winter going out like a lamb, clothing stores are selling short-sleeve shirts again, and we're already receiving "save the date" invitations for spring weddings for that cousin we see once in a blue moon. There's hope of warmer days to come.
Here a short poem for today simply entitled, I will persevere.
I Will Persevere
The page in my journal turns with hesitation,
Like the bones of an old man shoveling snow
Coffee stains left from a break from the cold
Sealed with ebony stains, my thoughts concealed below
Words marked and defiled, the ink blurred
Much like these wintry mornings and gloomy days
Pale, lifeless, indistinct
Overcast words and phrases with one phrase unscathed
Nevertheless, I will persevere
You'd never guess by the window pane
Nor would you see it in the clouds overhead
Winter will give way for spring
And bring new days, blooming flowers in yellow, pink and red
Snow will part ways with northern winds
And shovels will be retired for a later time of year
Spring rains and warm summer days will soon follow
Their arms loaded with gifts of hope and cheer
You'd never guess it by looking inside
Nor see it if you were to draw near
Your winter will give way for spring
Leaving these three words we hold dear
I will persevere
The featured song this month is called "Days Like This", a song that conveys the internal dialogue in the midst of struggle and hardship; the mental reminder to take one step at a time, and to persevere through whatever life throws your way.
"Days Like This"
Music & Words by Michael Tangen
one foot in front of the other
one more mile behind me
trade one hurdle for another
these things have always refined me
bridge:
it's days like this, that will make or break you
days like this, you need to press on through
one more day at a time
one more minute behind me
one more mountain I must climb
these things will never define me
(bridge)
chorus:
step by step, mile by mile
i'll keep on moving through this trial
day by day, far and wide
i'll press on through to the other side
one foot in front of the other
though i can't see ahead of me
i live this day like any another
And I will walk on free
(bridge) (chorus)
bridge 2:
days like this, down on your knees
mile by mile, between you and me
this two mile stretch has been hard indeed
Two Mile Stretch is a collection of reflections, poetry, photographs and music by Michael Tangen. All works are copyright 2010, all rights reserved. To purchase the featured song or to order prints of the photographs used in this podcast, visit twomilestretch.com, and then select episode one from the podcast menu option.
Thank you for listening to Two Mile Stretch. Your support, feedback and patronage is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
