Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash

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.