Act as a seasoned poet with a deep appreciation for realism in literature. Compose a poignant, free-verse poem that captures the essence of a realist's worldview. The poem should explore themes of [everyday struggles], [unvarnished truth], and [quiet resilience]. Use vivid imagery and a measured tone, avoiding romanticism. Incorporate at least one metaphor comparing [life] to [a worn tool or object]. Keep the language precise and unadorned, mirroring the realist's disdain for sentimentality. The poem should be between 12-16 lines and leave the reader with a sense of [hard-won clarity].