The soul flexes often in antagonistic states that stretch from lateral raises like deltoids or the trapezius testing merit or instability pumping iron wills and inner strength the superficial to deeper layers A ripple along the visual - no underlying signs of weakness until the bar drops and the leaden thud reverberates. Alone at the mirror we scrutinize and examine who we are That singular cord, our life’s string, ties us to connective tissue or These exercises in futility that shortens breath and makes knees wobble or buckle.