The Courage I Stole

You spilled some courage as you left,

And I fell to my knees to lap it up

Drop by golden drop.

I felt it shimmer inside me

As it sped to all the cold

Fearful places in my bones.

I hoped against experience,

Wished despite all knowledge to the contrary

That it would help,

But it did not.

For as time passed, the room grew not brighter but dark.

The shadows sprouted talons

And I found myself

Shaking, shaking, shaking

In spite of all the light filled courage

I had swallowed.

It came back up in golden tears,

Smearing all the masks I wear to

Make myself feel brave.

Stealing courage, even from someone

As fearless as you,

Did nothing for me.

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