courage is not a lion

courage is not a lion…

but a hamster on a wheel,

running in place, never growing bored,

never not sure, one with what it feels,



patiently pecking at sunflower seeds

I've laced with raisins, other things it doesn’t need;

it runs and feeds and poops and runs

and pees and runs and runs then sleeps.



yes, the measure of courage

is not a hugeness of shape

nor beauty and grace

– it’s running in place,



not a roar or strength,

but persistence and faith,

a warm tousle of fur

against a child's face.