Dylan Sharkey - Yet He Stands

One hand clings dependently
to his cane. The other clutches desperately
to his overcoat; his shield from the unforgiving elements.
His bleak defence weakens
with every blow,
his stronghold penetrated
with every lash.
His assailants are relentless.
An iron first crushes his frail being,
an onslaught of acid dissolves the spirit of a man once strong
now shaken.
Beaten?
Fragility in a ferocious world,
A tiny shard amidst the debris.
Yet he stands.

Dylan Sharkey

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/yet-he-stands/