tough

as taught to me by my grandmother

it's not in
the tense muscles
or the surly sounds
rumbling
from a gruff voice

nor the unblinking
stares of catatonic
eyes trying to imitate
daggers slicing into flesh
opening wounds to
expose deep fears

instead
it's in the mind
made hard as steel

and it's in the
resolve of unrelenting will
because such potent power
prevails in matters where
it matters

so let there be no
confusion at any time
or in any place

and if they decide
to come your way

make them bend
and they will
break

Reviews

[bookworm]

very interesting piece...sounds familiar. i can really appreciate your style, certainly not giving anything away for free. :)

[Priscilla Sayers]

Fabulous! Couldn't have said it better myself!
And Now I am Inspired!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I think toughness is a state of mind...mental ability to cope and survive...adapt improvise and overcome if they can. I like this!

[...]

. i'm infinitely grateful to her and to you ... for this unforgettable piece of empowering wisdom ... absolutely brilliantly written ...