Courage comes through suffering.

#5 COURAGE

Has stood by me these many years.

Is that courage I see lurking now
inside of me –
a gutless, spineless
moray eel
poking its head out?

Surely, by now I merit a look
at its entire body
exposed to danger.
Let me see you!
Slip out now, all the way
from layer upon layer
of coral reef hidey holes
I‘ve built and rebuilt
over a lifetime.

Courage unsheathed
shows itself
with a little smile,
skin greenish-tinged,
then darts back to safety.