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Are You Afraid

My life's motto was compactly summarised in 4 beautiful lines at the base of the Jaipur Column decades ago-

In thought, Faith
In word, Wisdom
In deed, Courage
In life, Service

It is easier to carry them around as words engraved on a medallion everyday than to live them everyday. Especially the line that speaks of deeds of courage. And to find comfort I turn to Auden and he mocks at me from his grave - Pick up a fight, go to war. Leave the hero in the bar. climb a peak, fight a lion, let no one guess you are weak. 

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