What We Most Fear

How like a monster is my fear of pain Expanding to fill all my heart and mind Swelling like a giant sponge in the rain, This fear begets new feelings more unkind. For humans being chased by lions fierce, Fear gives us the strength to dash away. But when by inner turmoil we are pierced We cannot run yet need not be its prey. Most strange ,we need to do what we most fear; Walk towards the pain with curious calm. As else we may be maddened like King Lear With no Cordelia to bring us balm. To feel in proper ratio to our pain. We need perception,grace and all their gains.