I - "still the most overused word in the dictionary"

I wilt

not only from summer's heat

but from life's firing squad.

I wonder

not only how many more days I can withstand the heat

but will there be years?

I pray

not only for my own endurance

but for all who must endure more.

I cry

not only tears for my own pain

but for the more excruciating pains of others.

I ask

not only for my own understanding

but for those who have no knowledge of God.

I believe

not only that God is real and by my side daily

but that through me, He will be by the sides of others.