A word so sweet and simple
And yet
So very bold
Two syllables of
Complete and utter terror

Courage is tilting your chin up
In the face of the yelling man
Who calls you worthless
And telling him
Quite calmly
You are not.

Courage is opening
Like a flower to the sun
To show all your flaws
Your secrets and doubts
To someone,
Anyone,
Despite the fear
That they will pluck you from your grass
And play a deadly game
Of he loves me
Loves me not

Courage is standing
Amongst a group
Of your very best friends
And telling each
And every one
That they are wrong

Courage is looking
At yourself in the mirror
Not liking what you see
But deciding you look good
Anyway

Courage is waking
Putting on shoes
Dressing however you like
And going to school
Even when you feel as though
The building were a prison
And your life a never ending joke
With no punchline

Courage is living
For your friends
For your family
And for the most important
Most amazing
Most fascinating person
On the planet:
Yourself.