Notes About The Poem

The Brave

The brave are more than ones who battle on
in fields of warfare, showing valor true
The brave are more than those that wars have won
There is a truth that must enlighten you:

the ones who fight the battles in their minds
who daily strive to keep their fears at bay
the ones who chose to draw away the blinds
and force themselves to face another day

the ones who have the courage to keep sane
are ones who need the medals to reveal
that they are striving hard to deal with pain
though they are taught their battles to conceal

The brave are those who struggle to survive
They are the ones who fight to stay alive!

Eileen Manassian
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Pathak Avatar
March 21, 2017 at 10:41 AM
Ah, what a beautiful sonnet! And exquisitely chiseled too. And thank you for visiting my poem 'A toddler when i was'. Not so surprisingly I had a visitor when I changed the title of the poem. You are also free to give me some adverse comments.
Hicks Avatar
May 16, 2016 at 11:54 PM
There are so many more silent wars going on, than those that make lots of noise ... perhaps we ought to perk our ears a bit more and take time to listen. You penned a sonnet with a strong message, Eileen ... bravery comes in many different shades.
Raven Avatar
May 5, 2016 at 6:57 PM
Hi Eileen, this is an excellent write, a deep write, a compassionate write, a strong write. It is sad how much i can relate yo in this write. There is a strength in this write although it is touched by the gentle words of Sonnet. I saw Richards comment below and yes, they ring so well, written for this wonderful poet and man. The brave are those who fight there inner battles every day and win. You are one of the brave also Eileen. This is a seven and a fave. Hugs....Mke. XX
Manassian Avatar
May 8, 2016 at 3:15 PM
Thank you, Vlad. I appreciate your visit. This poem was written about me and not about Richard. I read some poems from his published book, Dummy, to my reading club members. That is what he was referring to. :) Thank you for your lovely visit. I appreciate it.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 4, 2016 at 1:23 AM
Thanks for sharing my story Eileen. Hugs Rick.
Manassian Avatar
May 5, 2016 at 3:14 PM
It was my pleasure, Rick. You're story is SO worth telling. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Some great comments!
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:10 PM
Thank you, Richard. I'm glad some can relate to this. BTW...I shared excerpts from your book with the reading club yesterday. They were touched by what I shared. Bless you.
Dalei Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 7:24 AM
Eileen, Nice creation. A 7 from me.........with love.
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:11 PM
Thank you, Manmath. I appreciate the visit.
Breidenthal Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 11:56 PM
This is a profound and a beautiful poem by you. :) Thanks for writing this. This made me feel bold and brazen. You have wisdom in every single line. It's a melody to my eyes, especially when I read it. I do fight a mental illness and this meant so much to me. :) Have a wonderful day and remember to wear an upside down frown -J W Earnings PS: a well deserved 7/7
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:13 PM
I go through cycles, J. W. Sometimes I'm bold and brazen and sometimes I'm reclusive and reticent. I'm sure you understand. I'm trying to force myself out of my comfort zone. It isn't always easy. Thank you for sharing your own struggle. Fight on! Fight on! :)
Chircop Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 6:18 PM
Powerful message , a fave Eileen.
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:17 PM
Thanks, sweetheart. :) Hugs
La France Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 4:33 PM
Eileen, a wonderful write, I found it very touching and so true, I am loving this 7 ~
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:37 PM
Thank you, dear, for passing by. It is greatly appreciated. Hugs
Onclaud Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 2:39 PM
such a triumphant melody dear eileen... how we prevail amid turmoil makes us truly strong.. ohh so fine!..huggs
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:38 PM
Thank you, dear....as the saying goes...what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. :) Hugs
Trifiatis Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 1:54 PM
A beacon of truth that should guide the lost to light! Excellent and deeply philosophical! It is easy to face the enemy for a few hours in the battlefield but it is not as easy to keep fighting inside one's self without end! A seven dear Eileen!!!
Manassian Avatar
May 3, 2016 at 11:24 PM
Yes, dear one. You know the struggle of which I speak. It is sometimes very harrowing. Thank you for being a dear friend and counselor. Blessings.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 1:44 PM
This should be read in schools! Such an important message. Hugs Rick.
Carlton Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 12:34 PM
Wow! How I do have empathy for those whom struggle with everyday pains of any kind of emotional struggle. I have a son whom is bipolar and also know a couple of other women who struggle with this sameness through their lives.. Great poem Eileen... Eva
Nance Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 12:04 PM
I fight the demons in my head everyday and know what a war is inside yourself. We are brave for going on even when it hurts. This poem speaks to so many in so many different ways. hugs xx
Manassian Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Thanks, Cas. I'm glad that you can empathize. There are many....who can not. Worse still...they aggravate the situation. The best rule to follow is....One day at a time...and sometimes...just one hour at a time. Focusing on that helps. Hugs
Smith Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 11:05 AM
I can only imagine how hard it is Eileen. The struggle through life can be overbearing.
Manassian Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 12:13 PM
Yes, Tim. I can't tell you how often....Yes. It is overbearing at times. Thank you for reading. I really want people who struggle on the battle fields of the mind to know that they also have valor and courage.
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