I believe we are all cowards

I believe we are all cowards at heart That none would set a fire just to run into it Yet some will do so to help others. I believe that heroes are made Of doubts and fears, and dreams And an undiscovered courage. A courage that will walk to school With “that kid” Smile at, or even talk to, That woman who sits alone on the bench. I believe that heroes are shaped By the hands of fate, the whim of fortune That heroic deeds are easily overlooked For heroes tend not to be aware of their heroism. I cherish the heroism of a baby’s first steps The courage of parents to let them go The unsteady steps of the elderly The unsure speech of an immigrant The first handshake of a dubious friendship The courage to admit our cowardice and move past it.