The Poverty of a False Victory

Pitiable is the man,
Who mistakes your silence for weakness,
Who calls your patience a defeat,
And takes your courtesy as his triumph.
What does he know?
Behind silence roars a storm,
Beneath endurance burns a fire,
And within courtesy hides immense strength.
One must pity such winners,
Who believe that words alone are weapons.
They do not know
Some wounds are struck by silent eyes,
And some victories are earned
Through quiet prayers.
True victory belongs to the one
Who keeps dignity even in silence,
Who hides respect within restraint,
And who stands tall,
Even while clothed in patience.