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 feelings is to risk appearing your true self,
To place your ideas, 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 risk must be taken because the
Greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
Those who risk nothing do nothing,
Have nothing and are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow but
They cannot learn, feel, change, grow
Love or live.
Only a person who risks is free.

Author unknown