FACES OF COURAGE

I saw him on the evening news, the soldier in his hospital bed

Whom everyone thought unconscious and unable to move his head.

But Corporal Hargis was awake…in fact he was astute

For when he was given his Purple Heart he found the strength to salute.

Thank you Corporal Hargis for your courage helps keep the rest of us free.

But your story got me to thinking about all the faces of courage I see.

I’m sure everyone has their own stories as their moments of life accrue

About the types of courage they’ve encountered…now let me tell you a few.

It was on the face of Rosa Parks when segregation she helped to defeat

In 1955 on a bus in Alabama by refusing to give up her seat.

It was on the face of Mother Theresa in a world filled with selfishness and greed

When she decided to live in poverty and help anyone in the world who’s in need.

It was etched on the face of a president whose country was in disarray

And on the faces of the furloughed workers who survived 16 days without pay.

It’s on the face of the first responders who run into trouble every day

While the rest of us thank them for their service as we run the other way.

It’s on the face of the same sex couple who now deserve our applause

As they attempt to alter peoples outdated views and change our archaic laws.

It’s on the face of everyone ever abused as a new life they try to begin.

It’s on the face of anyone who sees bullying and courageously try to step in.

It’s on the face of a parent whose child is dying, missing or has something wrong

As they endeavor to deal with their life while remaining resolute, upbeat and strong.

It on the faces of the families trying to stay brave as stoically they comb

Through the damage, debris and the rubble after nature has taken their home

It’s on the face of the young boy or girl whose about to test life and tempt fate

As they walk up to their intended’s shoulder, tap it and ask for a date.

It’s on the face of anyone in love when they slowly bend down on one knee

As they work up the nerve and the confidence to pop the question, “Will you marry me?”

Isn’t it amazing when you think about it how many faces of courage there are?

They come in all shapes and all sizes and you don’t have to look very far.

I pray Corporal Hargis and all wounded soldiers recover with no ill effects

But II have to admit in writing this poem it’s given me time to reflect.

For I also pray that the day is coming for all our service women and men

When the type of courage Corporal Hargis displayed will never be needed again.

I dream of the day when wars are but a memory and killing and fighting will cease.

I dream of a world where everyone’s equal, a world filled with love…filled with peace.

I may be too optimistic but before this idealist bids you adieu

I’ll continue to pray that people all over this world find the courage to make this dream come true.