Courage to Conquer

Courage to Conquer

What is courage
If it is not having the audacity 
To face your largest fear
Even when all bravery
Has left you.
Bereft of faith
In what is good
Yet still striving
To do right
Walking
Inadequately armed
Into a raging battle
Whether of strength
Or wit
Only knowing
What must be done
Feeling the selflessness
Knowing the joy
Of simply, living
Breathing
Not fearing
The unknown
But
Looking into
The malevolent eyes
Of death
Whispering
I fear you not
I Pity you, and yours
Not.
Lord Death,
Only the living
Have the valor
To accept
That joining you
Is inevitable
But by living now
By loving ceaselessly,
I conquer you.