Bravest Face

Here's the edge,

This is the moment

When all the fear floods in apace.

Time to clear my head,

My demeanour emboldened,

Of trepidation betray no trace.

Time to put on my bravest face.

Quite the nine-stone weakling,

Who am I trying to kid

That I can carry all before me

As my heroes did?

Unafraid, oh what I'd give

To walk the walk with my head held high,

To stare down my demons.

But sadly I'm not remotely like

That kind of guy.

Bluster and bravado, every human power,

I summon up what strength I have

To face what cows me down.

Now's the hour.

Frozen in the spotlight,

Frightfully exposed

In my sad efforts to sustain

A heroic pose.

Though I'm scared as hell

Still I know it's only natural

To feel so vulnerable and alone:

In extremis we're on our own.

It's time to take my place

And hold my head up,

Time to wear with grace

My bravest face.