Pope John-Paul II
(1920-2005)
(Adapted from: Neknus, Canto LIII)
The human spirit will accept defeat
By nothing in creation which it knows.
Battered it may be; brought down to its knees
By the gross blows of circumstantial fate;
Yet still undaunted it will rise again
Triumphant from the worst adversity.
Resilience and courage are its shields,
Intelligence its weapon of attack.
With these great attributes it battles on
Until its final victory is won.
“Be not afraid” he said, and in his life
Practised that creed until his dying breath,
Despite his crippled strength and failing health.
A pilgrim for his faith he toured the world
Incessantly, searching for souls to save
Wherever they might be. Aged and infirm,
He won respect from old and young alike –
Whether or not their values were his own —
Through his indomitable will to be
Servus servorum dei, faithfully.
