Devote: Practicing Patience

As things are going
Ever so well,
I will cultivate the patience
To endure any unexpected downfall,

This will perfect my effort,
Keeping me on track,
Should stormy seas
Or great misfortune attack;

I strive to unpack
All the virtues needed to succeed,
In uprooting the poisons
Of hatred, ignorance and greed,

And armed with patience
I will persist
In the face of difficulties
That challenge my resolve;

So that, when there are problems to solve,
I will not balk or shrink
From wading in
Or hesitate when confronting them,

Slow progress will not deter
My continuing efforts to do better
And I will be prepared to wait
For fierce headwinds to abate;

Gradual headway is not too late
But only preparation for passing through the next gate,
Towards a fuller and happier state
That will at last emerge on the appropriate date,

And then all will be well
For another interval,
Until the next obstacle appears
Before more clear seeing eyes.