The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. ... Jesse Owens .... AKSHR

 

The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself - the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us - that's where it's at.

 

Jesse Owens

The banners of glory, the trumpets' loud call,

For medals of valor, for standing tall.

These battles of might, though fiercely they gleam,

Often obscure the silent, inner stream.

 

The whispers of doubt, the fears that reside,

The battles within, where the spirit presides.

Invisible foes, yet potent and deep,

These are the true tests, where we truly must keep.

 

The weight of the world, on shoulders so frail,

The burden of choices, the shadows prevail.

The striving and striving, the yearning to rise,

Against the dark currents that tempt and surprise.

 

The strength to forgive, the courage to mend,

The quiet resolve, where the battles transcend.

These battles of heart, fought in solitude's grace,

Are victories won, in time and in space.

 

For in the still chamber, where conscience does dwell,

Lies the true measure, the triumph of self.

The battles for gold, may bring fleeting acclaim,

But the battles within, etch a stronger name.