CROWNED BY COURAGE

He lives who stands when death draws near,

Who fights it back and conquers fear.

But one who shakes at death’s mere name

Is less than ash, a fading flame.

And happiness? A faithless guest,

It warms your hands, then robs your chest.

It comes uncalled, with painted smile,

Then vanishes in little while.

But sorrow is the truest friend,

It stays with you until the end.

It knots its roots within your soul,

And makes the broken spirit whole.

So chase not joy that will depart,

Let sorrow settle in your heart.

Embrace the ache, endure the test,

Within that fire you’ll find your crest.

Then fate will fall before your feet,

Defeated in quiet retreat.

And you shall rise through storm and pain,

A heaven’s king who wears no chain.