December 16, 2025Missive
Tough
citypoliticsmemorytimeloveidentity
Tough
As the leather
On a miner’s boot
The worn edges
Around the hole
Pock-marked
With coal dust.
A blacksmith's apron
The scars on his hands
Tough
As an overcooked steak.
A survivor
Of a drunken oaf
A coward
With restless fists
Jumping feet
Reckless barbs.
As hardy as
Bee Balm and Sedum
A Buttercup
The heart
Of a gnarled old Oak
As delicate as an orchid
A slip of a thing.
Tough
As an adult
Who survived childhood
With the soul
Of a child
Still wrapped up safe
On the inside.