Courage

In times of trouble, is it a natural expectation

that those supposedly blood or marriage bound

will take action,

lend a hand and support you?

and if it is, what happens when they don’t?

Anger builds, resentment and frustration

immobolise the body and frenzy the mind

leaving you vulnerable

to the deathly comfort of substance abuse

and if this happens, what then of your life?

So what do we do?

We must overcome the disappointment

in human nature with all its flaws,

all its failings

and accept, for our own sake, that others live by different values

Surrender to the seeping pain,

let the volatile anger subside

as it washes through you and over you

scorching skin, suffer every aching moment

and burn the bridges if you must, but let go of the expectation

Tell yourself

they know not what they do

for if they did, sleep would surely evade them

unless they are morally bankrupt?

and perhaps they are

Your role in this life

is not to fall victim to the shallowness of others

but to recognise your own unique depth

remembering you are strong

and important to those that matter

Grieve the loss

of the imaginary outcome you held,

substituted by a harsh reality,

say goodbye to what could have been

and embrace what is

Each of us will face our own judgement;

you must hold firm in the knowledge

that although crippled in this moment, bloodied and bruised,

you fought with courage

and stood for something of value

© Dianne Traynor