Heroes Poem by Jim Yerman

When I was young I thought it would be great if I could be a hero...
The one who slays the dragon, or defeats the invincible foe.

The guy who saves the baby from the burning building before she’s engulfed in flames
Then everyone would recognize my courage and forever remember my name.

The heroes I had when I was a boy revolved around sports, the movies and TV
When I grew up so did my heroes, with names like Lincoln, Franklin, and Kennedy.

But as I learned more about my heroes..I was astounded by what I found.
Abe couldn’t discipline his children, Ben abandoned his wife and Johnny fooled around.

How could my heroes not act in real life like they did in books or on TV?
Who would have thought my heroes were human, just like me.

I believe I was looking in the wrong places for heroes, now I think wherever we roam
Our heroes should be more personal, we can find them closer to home.

They are the people who have loved us, who’s guidance and inspiration we have sought
The ones who have stood by us whether we’ve slain a dragon or not.

Could it be our heroes don’t have to save the world or make that winning score?
Could it be our heroes have always been as close as our own front door?

Yes, now that I am older, (some might say past my prime) .
I find the heroes I most look up too have been with me all the time.

I still think it would be great to be a hero but now I look more objectively
My heroes are kind, accepting and supportive people...at least they strive to be.

If I get the chance I’ll still save that baby before she’s engulfed in flames
But now I only care that my friends and family shall forever remember my name.