It Takes Courage

My mother-in-law tells me about a friend

Who is off doing an amazing thing,

Overcoming fears,

Enduring pain,

Pushing harder, faster, further.

And there are many notes of congratulations,

And cheers of encouragement,

And proclamations of how brave she is.

Meanwhile, back at home,

The partner of the woman who is doing a most amazing thing,

Takes care of the house and the lawn and the bills and the pets.

And nobody's cheering, admiring, praising.

My mother-in-law asks,

"Which takes more courage?"