Poem: The Journey of the Lotus

Challenges arise
Tests, trials
Some stumble but strive forward
The walls become stairs
The haze clears
Eyes see the world anew

The journey not simple
Precious not marked with ease
Questions and doubts arise
Just how society has trained
Perseverance eliminates the artificial
Diligence obtains
Enlightenment ahead in the path
Yet a great test surrounds
Black clouds travel nearby
Some deluded are stirred
But the Righteous are unshaken
Pure and compassionate have nothing to fear

The Lotus forms together
Blooming, it illuminates the world
Dense fog turns to tears
All amazed by the glory
A Lotus flower, beautiful and majestic
Blossoming, even when the world turns its back
Its light making a new reality
Shameful lives agonize in regret
But the petals are still open
The flower still in bloom

A journey of strengthened wills
Determined hearts and compassionate minds
Growing together
The Lotus illuminates the world