tough

tough
not hard
firm
substantial
steady

stance that says
I'm here
I can be moved
but it won't be easy
I can be forced
but at a price
you may win
but it won't be all

I'm not perfect
determined
I'm not unselfish
but compassionate
I'm not the best
but the best that I know how

eyes that have wavered
and held
heart that has trembled
and stayed
spirit that has leaned into the wind
given and taken

only an ordinary woman
just as ordinary as an extraordinary woman
can be