Shalom Freedman (Troy New York)

'Courage' is a poem I have always had difficulty writing-
Worry and fear and doubt and question
Have always been so much easier-

True – at certain points – when required
I have forced my will against myself-
But naturally easily gracefully
I am not brave and no hero-

Still in old age
I need strive for
Quiet courage
Not to give way to despair
To fight to the end
For whatever is worth fighting for
To be strong as possible
For those one loves
To not give up and to not give in-

'Courage' in old age is difficult
It has always been difficult for me
I pray to God
I will have strength when the time comes
To do the right things.