Which Way to Run

Don’t run from a challenge. Instead run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet. ~ Nadia Comaneci

When fear tells you to run
that’s fine, but the direction
is open to choice. Standing
to fight may be best sometimes,
and occasionally wisdom directs
flight, escape. But is it wisdom always
to turn and run? If the bugaboo
will be there when we return,
and returning is required,
might it not be best to face the beast,
to charge on our terms, to launch attack?
If we’ve got the face it finally
to dismiss procrastination,
to grip the offense, rids us of the fear
we must confront leaving grace
and peace instead of dread to come.