Strength is in the mind, more than in the body

Dealing with things in ways which aren't shoddy

Knowing how to handle people with utter care

Without further problems or causing any stares 



There are some willing to try and run you down

Either literally ... or by causing you to frown ...

By things they do, or the painful things they say

Again and again, as they're apt to drive you away



But those who stand tight in order to hold their own

May not always wind up being stronger - but alone

- They will face their taunters with a fixed solution

Which does not always provide answers to pollution



For some who take abusive stands, do so with putty

Which hardens into a brittleness which can muddy

- Up your clearer vision through the window-glass

And make images beyond, you can no longer grasp



Strength, then, can be interpreted as power of mind

Which knows when to shut things down, and be blind

To the taunts which are jabbing so hard in your sides

The only answer is to move away from the pain to hide



Tormented thoughts and completely shattered nerves

Running vigorously thru your body, edging to be heard

And the aches they cause in your mind slows your pace

As eyelids flutter, and then sparks shoot about your face



Real strength comes from recognizing these elements

Then, acting upon them - to chase all of these variants

Away from the passage they make as they bore through

And then - quite simply - walk away, until mind renews.



Christopher W. Thomas

6pm Sunday 12/28/97