Even the Strong Need Encouragement

Perhaps you have got them labeled as “strong”,
And have made up your mind that they are
Worthy of your stout and silent respect,
But it’s likely that you have little idea
What all battles they have to fight
To be the people that you see.
And I’d like to suggest that
One of those battles is
To keep it all going
Even when they
Get next to
Nothing
From their
Quiet admirers,
Who think that the
Strength is certain to
Stay as it is without good
Encouragement from those
For whose benefit it is served
Up so courageously and selflessly,
And even when they don’t feel like it.
To remain silent is to rob them of
Nature’s best encouragement,
Leaving them to whatever
Nourishment they can
Provide themselves
From their own
Convictions.