You know people like this. One or two, they are
rare.
Stoic. Will not budge. This is not stubborn,
you know. This is Right and Wrong. This is pride in
holding up your word. They are saying This is what
I stand for.
And by strength I mean durability. Endurance.
You know these people will be here when the trees
we once were have become rotten maggot homes. You
know these people will be here when our rivers
turn to sticky mud. You know these people will
last through the fires, straight and tall and
full of presence.
And quiet, maybe. Yes, I do not say they are full
of words but when they open up and show you their
secrets you know it is like a small summit,
brilliant in sunlight and clarity. You know it
is like finding your way down after a long long
day, realizing the mountain could be home.