The Hammer

I stepped out in front of the hammer

Bracing myself for the blow

Determined to stand strong

I still do this all day long

I hold steady as days turn into years

Salty cynicism is all that remains of my tears

Though my current life depends on my unbreakability

I know that if I yielded, I would finally start really living

I see the wild, vibrant, beautiful life force of my vulnerability

Roaring rivers of pure glacial truth flow below the surface of my frozen facade

I stare at the hammer and dare it to hit me one more time