The Cry of Courage

I flinched as I saw War reach out to me,

scared I would become him, 

scared of what would happen if I didn't.

I started running, the road seeming endless.

War following me every where, no matter where I went.

Fear made its way into my body, my heart beating louder than the footfalls of War.

I sought solace in my friend Cowardice.

We had picnics as War tormented our less fortunate friends.

Cowardice called them reckless for engaging with War -- I agreed.

Over time it was getting harder to pretend the bombs surrounding us were daisies.

Cowardice said we were safe, protected by Ignorance -- I disagreed.

As I walked through the fire I became aware of the havoc I'd ignored for years

I became aware that my friends were not reckless -- they were courageous.

They were breaking down a wall for Peace to enter.

I joined their efforts and was more afraid, more hopeful than I had ever been.

War was targeting us directly now, throwing grenades at our feet.

I wanted to quit but then I saw a glimpse of Peace's light through a crack in the wall.

It was then I realized that being courageous was not a choice but an obligation,

an obligation we must attend to.