Determination: I can't lose this

In recreation or school

I try to abide by this personal rule

Determination: I can't lose this

This is what will continue my life

Whenever I am going through bouts of stress and strife

Determination: I can't lose this

Hefty loans waiting to leap on my back

Trivial  distractions try to push me off the tracks

Determination: I can't lose this

Sometimes I know what I do may be wrong

But something inside tells me to stay strong

Determination: I can't lose this

There are countless battles to be fought

There will be many dark thoughts

From moments of great elation to moments that I am distraught

When it is all said and done

After I've had all of my fun

After I've raised my daughters and sons

Once there's not much left to be done

I can say that

Determination: I didn't lose this