I Would Prefer Poem by Rebecca Dodgson

I am jealous of others for their bravery,
For their courage in ordinary situations.
I want to lose every ounce of fear in my heart,
But not so much that I would trade it now.
I would prefer to overreact- to cower in fear than to be untouched by extravagant joy
I would prefer to hope for bravery than to be as brave as others,
For these brave people who tell me that my fear is irrational, improbable, unacceptable,
Do not realize that their catcalls do not calm me.
I would prefer a friend who instead of telling me not to be afraid,
Would give to me a situation in which I had nothing to fear.