Survivor

I watched a You-Tube video,
A forward from a friend,
A story so uplifting
It’s a site I’d recommend.

A Holocaust survivor,
Now the age of 106,
Has been kept alive by music
And her playing does transfix.

She plays the piano as she did
For Nazis in the war.
Her spirit and her courage
One can really not ignore.

She has no rancor in her soul;
She never does complain.
She simply does not understand
What hatred lets us gain.

She’s visited by many people
Just to be inspired.
Being in her presence,
Optimism is required.

It’s hard for me to comprehend
An attitude like hers,
Sailing forth through life
Despite the horror that occurs.

It makes me realize temperament,
Much more than looks or smarts,
Can help you to avoid the pricks
Of nature’s poison darts.

An upbeat personality
And instinct to survive
Can possibly be what it takes
To not just live, but thrive.