The Granite Mouse (Fortitude)

To be certain
To be morally certain
What a pleasure this must be
To know your place in the world
To face your future with a steady hand
     With an unflinching eye
This is a gift which must be savored
     This is a treasure
     This is a calling
     A reward
To stand in the face of opposition
In the face of mockery
     Of separation
To use judgment without being judgmental
To transcend your physical being
     Little mouse, little stonecutter
To be bigger than your body
To make them hear your voice
To make them LISTEN
There is no more you could ask for
Perhaps only the courage to say what must be said,
     Whether they will like it or they will not
These are the things for which I pray
Not to be a superman
Only to be certain.