A worthless toy

 Do you wish to fight,
for what and how and why?
Trouble lies ahead,
yet  the goal seems justified,
prizes outweigh the risk.
You have a dog who will not fight
unless the risk worthwhile;
simple soul but wise.
Wisdom with a biscuit
sat sphinx-like at your feet.
You knew or thought you knew...
thought so long and hard,
friends had cast you medals
from terrace walls,
fear by the neck; caution to the wind,
stood for shared beliefs
your doubts. ignored . . . . .but wait. . .
What to fight and should you?
Your dog now at your side
pulling at your sleeve.
what has he seen, nose in the air ?
Friends goad. Why wait?
Pride at hazard . . . . a worthless toy .
Can they understand, will they even try?
Dare you change your mind,
no time to explicate.
Would they even listen?
The bravest thing they ever saw
did they but know the truth,
There is another way;
less risky, less foolhardy.
They may not understand,
but to go the way
of false friends too easy.
Now stand alone and watch
as they see you triumph,
misunderstand . . . . .
and pass the other-side.