Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

COURAGE THAT OVERCOMES by MARGARETE ROSE AKIN

First Line: I NEED THE COURAGE OF THE DESERT-PALM
Last Line: AND I LOSE THE COURAGE THAT THE PALM MAINTAINS.
Subject(s): COURAGE; VALOR; BRAVERY;
I need the courage of the desert-palm
For growing tall like it, near burning ground,
And keeping sap and life where sands abound;
For every traveler be a Gilead's balm:
And I, with courage, would withstand each qualm
Alone -- oasis-like, be ever found
With shade and fruit and waters' cooling sound:
Give quiet like the Arab's low salaam --

Unwithering, though the sun in hot embrace
Contrasts the deadly chill of desert-night,
Protesting ice that forms within my veins
When desert-prowler thoughts may slink and chase
Me into bony lairs, with poison spite,
And I lose the courage that the palm maintains.



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