how wonderful it would be
if year after year
people became softer and softer
like sea glass
smoothed by water and sand
instead of sharper and sharper
like broken glass
smashed apart
over and over
by life
and by time
I will say this
though
some people actually
become stronger
and stretchable
not like glass at all
more like thick old leather
protecting precious bodies
keeping hold of hearts
that expand
with each sorrow
nurturing love
that grows
and grows
and grows