to know you are afraid; to face your fear and not conquer it
but overcome it nonetheless

Arlen faces a syringe full of the foulest liquid known to mankind
grasping the cylinder and fighting it all the way
he puts it in his mouth and swallows the faintest bit
instantly removes it, grimacing, shakes his head violently
takes a rest, struggling, pinned between my legs
then I plug his nose and empty the contents
into his mouth and pin his lips until he swallows
it is neither beatific nor genteel
but the contents disappear
he claws at his tongue, struggles
to his feet, gurgles and then runs
looking for his brother

to be afraid; to be a hero

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