*I first encountered this phrase in a sermon by Martin Luther King Jr. Here is my poetic reflection.
A Mind of steel.
Is that what You want from me?
A resolve against thinking
That
Contradicts my own?
Or maybe
Possibly
Truly
This mind within me should be
Steeled against foolishness
That is spewed daily
And threatens to take me down into
Misinformation
Lies
And into
Hard-heartedness
But I know You can’t possibly want me to
Maintain a heart of softness
A heart that feels like feathers, lightness, and flesh
Instead of the solidness that develops from seeing hate
Displayed openly.
A tough mind and a tender heart
Are opportunities. Commodities.
Things not easily obtained
And maybe that is the point.
Robert Monson