the strength of water

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