The Truth About Tigers

Walls crumble under heavy words,
spoken not through anger-clenched teeth,
but uttered with calm honesty from the core.

Build back stronger –
is this a challenge? A threat?
Promises, light yet burdened
by enthusiasm and guile.

Which curriculum teaches the art
of strategic defense against
the raw edge of unvarnished truth?

Do we absorb the blows smiling,
to stride humbly forward,
or wallow hopeless in a swamp
of self-wrought indignation?