What Makes A Coward? Poem by Maurice Harris

What makes a coward? Is it someone who hides
Behind the mask of fear? Is it one who rides
The wave of hysteria for all it is worth?
When does it cease, to be afraid, is it inherent at birth?

How can you be afraid of the only one you have ever loved?
Why then might you lash out at the one you have dreamt of?
Your reasons are impure, surely too, your cause
Step back and reassess, allow yourself pause!

All the world can see, right through your ruse;
You've given rise to hysteria, yet, truth you must choose!
Away now from madness, stop now the insanity,
Back from the hateful lashing out of your vanity!

My love, cause I've ne'er been, for you to be afraid;
Change for us should've ne'er been, as if you had not strayed!

Maurice Harris,27 December 2007