To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To trust is to risk betrayal.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in your life is to risk nothing.
If you risk nothing, then you shall do nothing, have nothing, BE nothing.
You might avoid suffering and sorrow for a time,
But you cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live.
Chained by a fearful attitude, you become a slave.
You forfeit your freedom.
Only a person who risks is truly free.
——Anon
FOR THOUGHT: Some of the most thought provocative lines of literature are those framed in poetry. How do you feel about this poem? Do you agree with the unknown author? Why?