CRAVEN CONQUEROR - by Berton Bradley

[Ed Egan]

I read this poem in Leatherneck magazine in Feb. 1963 and was so impressed by it that I memorized it. Last year, I contacted Leatherneck and was sent a reprint. (Had to make sure I'd remembered it correctly.)

It's the best description of what we knew that I've ever read. When someone says that he wasn't afraid, get away: you know he's either a liar, a nutcase, or a was-never-there phony.




CRAVEN CONQUEROR
by Berton Bradley



The Bright Face of Danger glares hotly at him
And blinds him with heart-searing fright,
But somehow he tremblingly summons the grim
And quivering courage to fight.
For it isn't the mythical Man Unafraid
Whose deeds mark the true cavalier,
But the Timid Soul -- proving that heroes are made
Of fearful men conquering Fear.

With butterflies fluttering deep down inside him
And strength that is waning -- or gone,
He rides down the desperate doubtings that ride him
And quakingly drives himself on.
With fever and chills in each tremulous breath
And dread that no will can dispel,
This shaky-kneed paladin, frightened to death,
Runs scared up the ramparts of Hell.



from Leatherneck Magazine, February 1963

[Joe Reed]

Great piece, Ed. Why, pray tell, did you feel the need to memorize it? Just curious. Thanks for sharing.
Semper Fi
Joe

[Ed Egan]

Joe,

1. I liked it, and sensed that what it said about courage was true. At that point I had committed to the Marine Corps and was aware that I might someday be tested.
2. It was a borrowed magazine, and copiers weren't readily available in 1963.
3. It was short enough, and back in those days my brain worked.
4. Memorizing it was easier than carrying around a piece of paper in case I wanted to whip it out.