Risk

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out to another is to risk involvement
To express feelings is to risk exposing your true self
To place ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure.

But some risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing
People who ask nothing, do nothing, have nothing are nothing
They may avoid suffering and sorrow
But they cannot learn, feel change, grow love, live
Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves
They have forfeited their freedom
Only a person who risks is free.

Anonymous