Courage Poem by Frank Halliwell

I heard the cries of torment from
the bottom of the stair!
The fateful time approaching
as I came to join them there!

There was no joy, no happiness,
the place was filled with gloom.
Resigned to fate, with haunted eyes,
we all await our doom!

It comes at last to everyone,
at early time or late,
Not fame, nor wealth, nor regal rank
shall save them from their fate!

The grown men sigh, the children cry,
their countenances pale...
They sob and beg and stamp their feet,
but all to no avail.

Seen clearly through the half-closed door;
bathed in an eerie glow...
The instruments of torture wait,
compounding victims' woe!

The summons comes: I stand and smile,
and bravely heed the call!
No faint heart, I! The chamber waits,
my grit will show them all!

No moan or groan shall pass my lips,
no tears form in my eye!
I shall not shirk or hesitate
nor ask the reason why!

A friendly and disarming smile
belies his chilling trade.
It takes but a few moments now
until the mould is made

With the impression finished then,
I rise and leave the room,
And I'll pick up my brand new teeth
on friday afternoon.'
o0o