{in the face of adversity}

I AM A MAN
IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, NO MATTER HOW GREAT,
I WILL REMAIN CALM.
IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
BUT EVERYTHING TO LOSE IF I LOSE MY FOCUS
SO WHAT IF MY LIFE, AND ALL THAT I LOVE
WERE ON THE LINE?
I WILL PROVE MYSELF TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
FOR FAILURE IS NOT IN NOT SUCCEEDING
BUT IN NOT TRYING AT ALL.

IT IS NOT IN BRUTE STRENGTH THAT
A MAN PROVES HIS WORTH
IT IS IN STRENGTH OF HEART AND OF CHARACTER
AND OF SOUL
IT IS NOT IN TRYING THAT
A MAN LOSES HIS WORTH
BUT IN NOT DUSTING HIMSELF AFTER THE FALL

Written sometime early last week, on a sheet from an exam pad which explains the physical length of each line; what with handwriting as big as mine.