Anger, a trait of begrudging fellowship.
I prefer it not said “she remained calm”,
but rather that she contained the drip drip drip
of the vitriol through the bunker for the bomb.
Weakness, a trait of unending apathy.
I prefer it not said “she held her strength”,
but rather that she carried Atlas’ apples affably,
and bore their weight across a countries length
Ego, a trait of undying effigy.
I prefer it not said “she fought her shadow”,
but rather that she slew it for necessity,
and fended worse with words of woe.
Fear, a trait of infinite derision.
I prefer it not said “she faced her fickle dreadnought”,
but rather that she let it cloud her vision,
and dealt that sickly punishment she ought.
Doubt, a trait of fraying forebode.
I prefer it said “she doubted naught but her own”:
not that she disliked what other sowed,
but rather that, as a person, she’d grown.