A coward's death

"A coward dies a thousand deaths,
A hero only one"
In the course of that coward's life
He can get nothing done.

These words forever torment me
Through risen from the past
A man whose words do pierce my soul
This poet's message lasts.

I try my best to live my life
Free of this pain of fear
Though striving seems to be in vain
I shield my life with care.

I now understand what was meant
When Shakespear spoke these words
'twas of two men with a message
That needed to be heard

The coward's voice was small and soft
easily put to rest
By disagreement, distaste, hate
and many times, a threat.

Over and over, this mans voice
Is quieted through fear
Till it reaches a point in time
Stops speech for men to hear

A hero on the other hand
Will not succumb to this.
His message will strongly press on
With conflict in its midst.

Though he may face persecution
It only serves his cause
His rivals may claim his life but,
His message will live on.

"A coward dies a thousand deaths"
And when he's through its done
A hero suffers through death once
His purpose will be won

I try to see myself in place
Of one of these men's shoes
I know the truth; I must fit one
The question is now whose?

I know down deep inside of me
There is a voice of truth
Urging speak out, bout' what you see
It's what you need to do

I look at what the truth might mean
At what I will become
Suddenly, I'm not quite so sure
My fear again has won.