Poem by Ikeda Sensei

Ablaze with hope, I face the raging waves, And though I may be destitute, Though others may laugh at Or ridicule me, Watch me now As I patiently endure. I exhort myself: "First work hard, To the full extent of your youth. Though some may scorn you, Always wear a smile. Heart aflame, Advance strong and true Along your chosen path." Smiling brightly, Serenely, At the arduous road ahead, Today, again, I will advance - Gazing up at the sky, At the summit Of a hope-filled future. Daisaku Ikeda