Fear Poem by Gregory Huyette

Fear keeps me here because I want to be.
It tells me of the dangers that I want to see.
It says that stop is better than go.
It warns me against what I don’t know.

Fear soothes me and makes me feel
That the risks and pitfalls are really real.
It tells me I’ll be hurt if I try something new.
Like sunglasses it helps taint my life’s view.

My stultifying friend, fear, and I
Sit on the sidelines, as the world passes by.
Then it dawns on me that fear’s not my friend.
It’s only interested in its own cruel end
Ends like “don’t, ” “can’t, ” and “won’t work.”
Negatives like “too risky, ” “forget it, ” and “shirk.”

Fear has been the driver; I’ve just been in the car.
Unless I’m master of the pedal, I won’t go far.
So I leave fear at the gate since I know I’m the best.
Faith is my passenger and commitment my vest.
There’ll be scary moments and accidents I’m sure

When I cross the finish line, like a Cheshire I’ll purr.
If I address my problems with the solutions they need,
Fear will be defeated as I so sweetly succeed!