TRIALS AND PASTE

The chores of too many days
are like corrals
with flaming barbed wire gates.
Entering
means pains and wounds,
but we must enter them anyway,
letting the anxiety and screams
test our faith.
Instead of band aids
one covers the injuries
in a paste
made from the will
and strength,
knowing
there is no breath
absent air
that is both at times
sweet and sour.
Smiles and frowns
express the scent we smell.