I hurt, I soften
Like the ocean to its impurities
I move more kindly
As I remember all of you like waves
Again, again
To be kinder still
To give love where it’s lost
Your knocks don’t bruise me
And at your punches
I’ll stand still
Stilled like weathered waters
Shelter to wandering animals
I the wandering bark
Those knocks
That colour me gentle
Make from my fears
A buried truth
Unearthed like your true hues
Strange, lost, falling
Autumnal hues
You talk of toughness
And I’ll show you the strength
Of water