The Myth

It is a myth
We entertain
That the courageous
Among us
Somehow don’t
Confront fear.
We hold an image
Of the warrior
Who boldly goes
Into battle,
And fights without fear
Of being
Wounded or killed.
Such an idiot
Deserves no honor.
Whether or not
Our fears are real,
Like the bullets
Confronting the soldier,
Or are imagined
Threats to our survival,
Our fears
Must be faced head-on
And judged
For what they are.
Courage is
Our decision
To advance
In the face
Of those fears.
There is no courage
Without fear.