He is, tear glands, scars, and heart.
He is all he is, including what we’ve banned
him from being even in the hustle.
He is soft and tough,
silly and smart.
He is human
and humans are not all bones and muscles!

[A poem exhibited at The Optimist’s Incomplete Exhibition and a part of the Heritage Day celebration, as part of the Benue Book and Arts Festival at the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum, Eastwood, Nottingham on 12 September 2026]