Courage

my absurd conceit

my absurd conceit 
is to lead men of courage 
greater than my own

heroes are heroes 
because they dependably 
behave like heroes

these laughing heroes 
who know not the awful price 
of their victory

what shattered belfry 
tolls the awful gallantry 
of chocolate soldiers

the root of courage 
is a simple acceptance 
of the job at hand

there are no heroes
there is only this awful
noble decision

i traded these chains 
for a walking stick and a 
pocket full of sand

this matchless valor 
in bloody consecration  
of my shattered land

i conquer my fear 
by submitting daily to 
its bitter wisdom

what is more lofty 
than for a hundred men to 
march forward to death