When I look at you,
whether in the moment
or from a state of remembering,
I see the steadiness of a man who—
like an ox with a cart—
sets out, head down, through the knee-deep mud
that is the day’s work.
One who will use a misstep to
redouble his effort—
and recommit his integrity—to the task at hand.
One who will lower his horns
and accept the yoke
that will help him
better serve his life’s purpose.
When I look at you,
whether in the moment
or from a state of remembering,
I see steadiness.