Tender And Tough

a sweet enigma, that’s what you are

those with dim perception
can’t see past the roughness
of scarred hands, shredded on sail ropes
in the midst of merciless sea storms

crude language not always acceptable
in polite company, “colorful” phrases
bring blushes from “cultured” ladies

the forthright demeanor of a man
who fought his demons on black midnights
in fathomless chasms of raw hopelessness

when there was no hand to grasp
no earthly friend to pull him out into light

My Endearing Enigma, rare blend
of strength and tenderness

when you speak words of love
somehow they carry more weight
than those spoken by lesser men
with untried spirits and smooth hands

when you pay homage to my beauty
it goes without saying you mean
not only copper silk, ivory satin
emerald eyes and womanly curves

you sail the deep waters,
you feel, you know the essence,
the truth of a scarred woman
with demons of her own to defeat

one who appreciates your tender and tough
not ashamed or afraid to love a diamond in the rough


4/17/2007 La Belle Rouge

“Poetry, Love Whispers”

Music "Nostalgia"