You know people like this. One or two, they are rare. Stoic. Will not budge. This is not stubborn, you know. This is Right and Wrong. This is pride in holding up your word. They are saying This is what I stand for.

And by strength I mean durability. Endurance. You know these people will be here when the trees we once were have become rotten maggot homes. You know these people will be here when our rivers turn to sticky mud. You know these people will last through the fires, straight and tall and full of presence.

And quiet, maybe. Yes, I do not say they are full of words but when they open up and show you their secrets you know it is like a small summit, brilliant in sunlight and clarity. You know it is like finding your way down after a long long day, realizing the mountain could be home.