Beware of the Coward
And their beady eyes—
you will recognize them
by what they despise:
Sagacity, prudence,
tenderness too,
temperance, fortitude,
and a heart that is true.
Yet even a coward,
though seldom and rare,
may still show a flicker
of virtue and care.
But there is one thing
a coward will not do:
he may pardon offenses,
but he will not forgive you.
For a coward may cultivate appearances,
but forgiveness and truth
do not grow from his tree.
He may wear the leaves of virtue,
but the root remains diseased.
Like leaven hidden in bread,
cowardice proliferates quietly—
feeding on pride,
while starving forgiveness.
Unforgiveness is the bane of his life,
and until he learns mercy,
cowardice remains his master.
So beware of the coward,
but do not fear him.
Learn his ways well enough
to refuse them.
For cowardice proliferates
when wounded men
become what wounded them.
Do not let the coward
recruit you into his ways.