The Risk

To laugh
is to risk appearing the fool
To weep
Is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another
Is to risk involvement
to expose your feelings
Is to risk your true self
To place your ideas and your dreams before a crowd
is to risk their loss
To love
Is to risk not being loved in return.
To live
Is to risk dying
To hope
Is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure
But risks must be taken
Because the greatest hazard in life
Is to risk NOTHING
Persons who risk nothing
Do nothing
Have nothing
And are nothing
They may avoid suffering & sorrow
But they cannot learn,
feel,
Change,
Grow,
Love,
Or live.
Chained by their attitudes,
They are slaves,
For they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who RISKS
Is FREE.