Haiku — 0035: Courage

Against overwhelming odds.

As an avid anime fan, this is one of the themes consistently explored through their protagonists (Naruto fans, anyone?)

And today, as I re-watched some such series, this Haiku had to be written.

Pushed back to the wall,

The world scorning at his life,

Stands unflinching.

What does it mean to be “courageous”?

As a child, I used to see ghosts in shadows and nights after a dose of Scooby Doo. Not the paragon of bravery. But then again, that was just one perspective of what the word ‘courage’ means.

Although that was a lesson I learned much later.

Be it standing up for what we believe in, despite the world breathing down our necks. Or be it the burden of making difficult choices. Or, further, taking things in stride, quietly enduring under the weight of it all. Courage can be of many types, and each one deserves a Haiku of its own.

The strength to not fall.

Today’s theme is about standing up, even when pushed against the wall. Many success stories in life involve people overcoming one hurdle or another, at times so many that the story might even appear surreal. Someone coming from a humble background, being made to feel out of place, being treated differently, being denied, being pushed to the edge, but still not falling.

That is courage. The ability to find their strength and stand despite the push and shove.

I wonder what brings that — And the only tangible answer I have is “first principles”. Those with a clear mission, or purpose, will not flinch, no matter where they are. And these principles will guide them toward their choices and actions, however difficult they might be. And, the same would also teach them to respond.

These principles grow the spine, that which stands them upright even when pushed to the wall.

Not one inch bent.

Yesterday’s Haiku —

For the rest of my Haiku, please follow —