Instructions for the Soft-Hearted
how to stay whole in a world that bites
When the world starts to rust
from the inside out,
don’t beg it to shine.
Let it flake. Let it fall.
Sweep the pieces into your pocket.
They’ll cut you later—
but they’ll teach you something.
You are not weak for weeping
at old songs or stray dogs.
You are not foolish
for hoping in a place
that calls hope a liability.
You’ve been told
to toughen up,
to bite back,
to build higher walls.
But here is the quiet rebellion:
"Stay soft enough to break."
Let joy bruise you.
Let love knock you over.
Let grief split you
and still say thank you
for the time you had.
There is no armor like tenderness.
No anthem louder than
a whisper that means it.
You were not made
to survive unscathed.
You were made to survive true.
So keep the door unlocked.
Cry when you need.
Laugh like it’s oxygen.
Hold hands with the fear
and the fire.
One day,
someone will see you
and call it bravery.
© 2025 Tim Carmichael. All rights reserved.
If you’re enjoying my stories or my poems, feel free to follow along for more. Thank you for reading and for your support.
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Keep reading
More stories from Tim Carmichael and writers in Poets and other communities.
Bruce Lee and The God of War: Kuan Ti
It starts with love.. The Power to the God Of War and Wealth Walk into a Chinese restaurant (even in Oklahoma, USA), a Chinese police station, a kung fu martial arts studio or even a Chinese temple and you often see a red faced warrior holding a heavy quan-do (spear like weapon).
By WILD WAYNE : The Dragon King4 days ago in Chapters
Comments (29)
congratulations of having this lovely piece recognized. I am curious about your copywriting this piece... I have had a number of pieces of my work totally plagiarized and am curious how copywriting protects you.
So beautifully written. Wonderful job!
I love this! Please check out some of my work!
There’s a softness and wisdom to this that really speaks. Very moving. Congrats on your high placement :)
Good vibes flooded as I read. Weeping at stray dogs! I talk to trees and birds.
Absolutely great poem and well deserved placement! Fits the times perfectly
Not sure i want to stay soft enough to bruise, but great sentiment, kudos for the win.
Love the sentiment in this. Beautiful writing!
love this! Congratulations!
This is beautiful, Tim. Lyrical, prescient and wise. Congrats on making the winner’s circle! Richly deserved!
Congratulations 🎉
Great, Tim. Congratulations !
That line really did hit me in my heart
"You were not made to survive unscathed."- This felt so freeing! Beautiful work, Tim. Congratulations on your win!
Once again read in the morning, and AHHHHHH refreshment! Tim, you are breaths. "Laugh like it's oxygen..." Your words are poetic guidance and encouragement to the masses. Never stop writing. Congratulations on a well-deserved place at the top!
WOW, Tim - I have no words, only chills. This was incredible. "Let joy bruise you" hit me like a ton of bricks in the best way. This is beautiful work. Congratulations!!!
YEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!
Richly deserved recognition, Tim. Congrats!!!
I felt genuinely moved by this, Tim. Your poem had a humanity and a sense of… maybe assuredness that radiated through your words. Thank you for writing this and congratulations on your win 🎊
Tim... this poem hits in the heart. I dare say, I needed to be reminded of this on the very day I'm reading it. I've cried a lot today. I'm not embarrassed by wailing uncontrollably, but this is still a perfectly timed affirmation for me. Both synchronicity and you are my friends. It's an honor knowing you and sharing stories with you. Thank you for these poignant words. Many blessings to you & yours.
Congratulations on your win! Well deserved! 🎉🎉🎉
Congrats!! It’s beautiful
Glorious work Tim! Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉
Number one in my books, this is fantastic. The power and feelings burst through. Congratulations Tim, very well earned.
congratulations on your win