Courage

by Jennifer Wren Call

Courage
to ask,
to wonder,
to sit quietly with a question.

Courage
to speak gently
when the world shouts.
To be soft
in a world that grinds.

Courage
to step forward,
even unsure.
To leap—
not because you're ready,
but because it's time.

Courage
to bear witness.
To love something fragile.
To face pain
without armor,
and joy
without apology.

Courage
to stand alone
and still be whole.
To start the fire
no one else will light.

Courage
to stop.
To rest.
To listen.
To hold someone longer.

Courage
to be you
nothing held back.
To walk into the tide,
knowing you may fall,
but trusting the currents
will bring you home.