she asked me
to be brave for her
to take heart, have courage
and I asked what she meant
courage, being myself instead of what someone else thought I should be?
courage, being strong and keeping feelings inside?
courage, saving someone’s life?
courage, plodding ahead even when i felt hopeless?
courage, taking a chance, a risk?
she told me
any kind would do
but I was scared! I protested
she answered me
that courage was not being unafraid
she squeezed my hand,
but then her grip slackened
and I was suddenly alone
with nothing but courage, in an empty world.