Weakness Beyond
David with the Head of Goliath
Guido Cagnacci (Italian, 1601 - 1663)
Music pairing: Frederick Chopin - Nocturne No. 13 in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1
Only heaven knows why some have and some don’t:
A constitution perfect and a frame endowed;
While we are shaped less than myths sculpted,
A struggle born or wheel of fortune bestowed.
Days passed as the world blurred before tears,
“Defective! Deficient!” cried inward belief;
Misery and resentment in bloodshot eyes,
Paths narrowed where no passersby conceive.
Months, years, a shift in perspective -
Because we are, we are different;
Weakness all must share in ways or another,
An orchestra non-existent without instrument.
Stronger the fire forge us endless,
Spirits burn fierce through each challenge.
Come perseverance, empathy, love -
The true characteristics of human hinge.
Our setbacks our setups;
Our vulnerability our ability;
Our disadvantage our advantage;
Our song reverberates unbroken possibility.
While heaven knows why,
On this earth you won’t hear our sigh -
Our notes hit high.