If It Wasn't For Courage
by Michael Doyle

On the other side lies paradise
The captain offers his best advice
As his pirate crew readies for the fight
Who knows how many will live until the morning light

Ready the muskets and say your last prayer
As into eternity, the captain and crew stare
The manifest speaks to the power of destiny
As the steps are taken to make this journey

If weren't for courage, there would be no start
That sort of faith begins in a pirate's heart
It's the bravery that comes as a primal urge
It's what gets a pirate through every battle and surge

At any hour might come the greatest trial
That leads to a hangman's noose or bring survival
It's a matter of timing, meaning no grave insult
That leads to the struggle that owns the result

When the battle comes, it is time to fight
To stand one's ground and not give into flight
This is the truth of the pirate's way
And it will stay with his soul until judgment day

If it wasn't for courage, there would be no start
That sort of faith begins in a pirate's heart
It's the bravery that comes as a primal urge
It's what gets every pirate through battle and surge

The sieges that come, fall to the wise and strong
Unless that is, they've been counted wrong
As a man-o-war waits just off the shore
The telling of this tale might lead to heaven's door

Sorry as we are for the lives we wantonly take
There's always a way, make no foolish mistake
As heartbreaking as the pirates are tired
There's one more fight that God and the Devil have inspired

If it wasn't for courage, there would be no start
That sort of faith begins within a pirate's heart
It's the bravery that comes as a primal urge
It's what gets every pirate through battle and surge 

(c) August 16, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved