For The Courage To Die Poem by moon batchelder

at the threshhold - waiting-
the door stood - ajar -
still he, hesitating
as wound into a scar,
delayed.

- to what purpose?
since a prison described
conditions - not worth the strife -
of staying alive!

but fear is undaunted
- indelible stain,
nor matters - the unwanted
incredible pain.

in terror
- preferring
such hells - over death,
steadfastly demuring,
while cleaving to breath,

not heeding the spirits
who beckoned,
- his cry
seemed an unspoken yearning
for the courage
- to die!