Reluctant To Protect Themselves Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

A duty accepted to do as performed,
Will not be done in malice...
If one volunteers and be challenged,
To accomplish what others fear.
Since no one else seeks to volunteer.

A duty accepted to do as performed,
Is often one rejected by some too alarmed...
Who then demonstrate a relief released,
That someone has come forward...
To protect a peace they wish to keep.

A duty accepted to do as performed,
Will not be done in malice if one has volunteered...
To accomplish with a doing what others may fear.
Although it may be fear what one wishes disappears,
From those too reluctant to protect themselves.