Courage comes not from riches nor intellect,
nor even from might.
It does not gain its strength from brawn,
nor its endurance from size,
nor its fortitude from bluster.
It grows from the day's minutia,
bit piling atop bit,
to form a rampart on which we stand.
Courage will not shout its name,
yet will stand in front as a shield.
It will not hide its heart, but allow tears
to glisten like diamonds on its cheeks.
It will state its claim to righteousness
in everyday words and ways.
Courage dares to erect flagpoles standing high
with banners unfurled upon them.
It knows truth when finally it is spoken
and declares false to be so.
Courage requires that we dance in time to our sobbing,
and sing our anthems through pain.
We must view the world with the wonder
of children and life with the wisdom of age.
Courage speaks gently to be heard,
for folks lean in for a whisper.
Building fences on which to lean
then keeping them in good repair,
so making living a safe place
for those in anguish.
Courage will flourish midst the daisies,
though its back be bent with adversity.
It will do right, though no one sees
and no one enforces.
It is born of and borne atop
the chronology of each day.
And courage will prevail.
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Submission Name: COURAGE
