Burden

Everyman carries his fear differently,
 its plain enough to see.
Some compact it on their frame,
 make of it an armor,
 accustomed to the pain
  they move through life stiff,
 restricted by their shame.

Others dive into passivity, adopt a gentle stance,
but carry their fear on their back ,
bent over apologizing as they pass.

Some learn to moralize,
or lean towards esoteric.
They may seek higher office
or the protection of the cleric.

Some become mere actors,
they will master imitation,
but the fist sign of danger,
march bravely in the opposite direction.

But a Man is built to stand and defend,
and if he can not find a way,
to build himself equal to the task,
then he must live in dread each day.