45
What is the essence of spiritual courage?
GROWING COURAGE
They were early rivals
father and son
mother’s kiss the prize
A little boy’s childhood spent
at the family dinner table
questioning inherited beliefs
practicing the discomfort of vulnerability
A young man learning to master his roars
explain and persuade in whispers
learning suffering has no excuse
cynicism has no utility
Our man’s first presidential debate
he stands prepared
cloaked in courage
A new rival now at the opposite podium
An old rival watching proudly from afar
And all it took was a table
A man who cared
And a kiss.