Courage to Remain
It takes courage to stand
on a spire, peering down
parachute strapped to your
back, then jump
It takes courage to run
into the burning fire
or face an unseen foe
who shoots you
But a slower courage
a brave glacial courage
is wanted for that bullet
time of age, advancing
years falling past, endless
echoes of your eighteen
year old, thirty-something
fifty-ish birthday selves
advising, revising
and asking why does the
simple act of waking
and standing seem so hard
when once it was so easy?
10 thoughts on "Courage to Remain"
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love the metaphor of “bullet/ time of age” and the specificity of “waking/ and standing”–metaphoric and realistic-as-of-this-morning dimension
“A brave glacial courage” is such a wonderful description of aging. Totally relateable to the core!
Your poem pairs so well with Kevin Nance’s today! “Glacial courage” feels very appropriate,
Yes!
“a brave glacial courage
is wanted for that bullet
time of age,”
Nice !!!
Favorite line
“waking
and standing seem so hard”
Your poem really resonates with me–the courage to see ourselves–aging is quite a humbling teacher for sure. I love the way you put courage involved facing each day on equal footing with other references to courage. Well done–thank you for your poem!.
Agree with Ann! Love all those “endless echoes”
Loved this – ‘brave glacial courage is wanted for that bullet time of age’
All those years building up— and then the aches of today. Wonderful. Great title.
I love the repetition and growth in. thie piece. It makes the end feel very earned and resonant.