-- Hidden Acts of Bravery --

­­John Herlihy

Certain acts of bravery lie hidden,

But leave behind a mark profound.

They arrive to meet the moment unbidden,

Like silence that never utters a sound.

We think of bravery as against all odds,

In the face of the lion, human lives to save.

Asked about bravery, the brave man nods,

Instinct tells him to be fearless and brave.

True bravery may find its source in fear,

Summoning a strength you didn’t know.

To make a decision that is perfectly clear,

The bravery looks and feels on borrow.

Wild beasts cannot be considered brave,

Mere natural instinct for survival to dare.

They may be as furious as a sweeping wave,

Breaking on the shore with no desire to save.

What of the bravery you didn’t know you have,

To stand up for your friend against a rude bully.

Your sudden bravery sinks into the soul as a salve,

As the coward slinks away feeling very bit silly.

The truly brave man has no need for applause;

In the face of injustice, he will defend what he can.

In the face of brute force, never desert his cause;

Timidity a weakness, bravery the shield of the man.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Monday 23 November 2020