Is Surviving Living
By Gabriel Lee
I am surviving each day
That is how I am living
To be afloat and alive
Striving even if struggling
Some days may be negative
Some fumbling and some stumbling
Sometimes it’s a joyful plus
A day I’d say I’m thriving
That is how it is
A day full of coping
Sufficient in adjustments
A spirit daily hoping
Shake your head and say
Living is not surviving
It is not sufficient
To just be dialing striving
But that is my daily joy
Small victories I am floating
Thankful to have done some deeds
Joyful for this life sharing
So though I may just be here
And not on ports arriving
I smile with dawn’s warm sunrise
New day to go on caring
Don’t be sad for me today
Body still quite functioning
This view your eyes to see
I hope your heart accepting
I am surviving each day
That is a life worth living
Alive, thankful, and joyful
Living even if struggling
Gabriel Lee is the pseudonym of Neil Lee Ambasing, MD, FPCP, FPNA). Gabriel is his deceased’s father’s first name; Lee is his mother’s maiden name. He is an internist and neurologist practicing in Region I and Cordillera Regions. He writes, “I just write when I feel like it, a sudden inspiration, a sudden flow or cadence or rhythm, a sudden word or words that come to mind. Writing is therapy.” This poem was written on May 1, 2022 and was inspired by a cancer patient who continues to live life during this pandemic and by Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.
