If I Had Stayed Afraid Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

If I had stayed afraid,
To walk upon paths unpaved...
I wouldn't today be able to express a gratefulness.
Or identify a faith that has kept me blessed.

If I had stayed afraid,
To not take steps to adventure life...
Or reject the obstacles I came to face,
I wouldn't today be able to express a gratefulness.
Or witness that if I had not kept my faith,
I would not be in any position to admit...
The acceptance of blessings I have received.

If...
I had stayed afraid to allow fear and falling tears,
To stop me to recognize regret to realize...
As a way of life that I should live undenied,
Nothing I had attempted to have tried...
Could have possibly been accomplished.
And to do this with an initiative that remains motivated,
Has been my greatest achievement.