Daily Courage Doesn't Count by Alta

Daily Courage Doesn't Count

by Alta

(published in A Geography of Poets, edited by Edward Field, 1979)

daily courage doesn't count

we don't get diplomas for it.

i worked hard for 5 years with one man,

then had 3 years graduate training with another.

but people called e a divorcee, & acted as if

i had done something wrong.

no one was happy for me,

no one gave me a coming out party.

but i tell you, i came out of those marriages

one smart bitch.