Endurance

I used to pride myself
On my endurance,
My ability to tough it up
And survive
Deplorable situations.
I learned at an early age
The art and science
Of passive resistance,
Of not confronting
Issues head-on
For fear they would
Only get worse.
I became an expert
At outlasting problems,
But I found that to be
A double edged sword,
As much a curse
As it was a blessing.
There were times
When people or situations
Got way out of line,
And it was essential
That I speak out
And stand up for myself,
But far too often
I hesitated
Until the opportunity
Was gone.
What could have been
Handled easily
Was allowed to fester
And poison my life.
As I have grown older,
And hopefully,
A little wiser,
I have begun to be
A bit more forceful,
And I have learned
To speak up
When I need to,
And it invariably makes
Life easier.