Character
Character never reveals
its true substance
until faced with
a profound crisis.
There is no preparation
for moments like this,
all stress and insecurity,
where action is instinct.
Good instincts come
from parents and priests,
culture and ideology,
even music, books,
the fabric of experience
that shapes each of us.
In a crisis, who we are
becomes what we do.
This is why so many
official heroes, upon
receiving a medal,
say without ambiguity
I am not a hero.
I did what had to be done.
Character never reveals
its true substance
until faced with
a profound crisis.
There is no preparation
for moments like this,
all stress and insecurity,
where action is instinct.
Good instincts come
from parents and priests,
culture and ideology,
even music, books,
the fabric of experience
that shapes each of us.
In a crisis, who we are
becomes what we do.
This is why so many
official heroes, upon
receiving a medal,
say without ambiguity
I am not a hero.
I did what had to be done.
posted from Bloggeroid
