Brian’sPoems

Manhood

...a journey of descent.

I’m a man
and therefore pretty good
at avoiding and at stoicism,
at keeping a stiff upper lip
while biting my lower one.

I’m willing to say goodbye,
swallow my emotions,
choke back tears,
and take one for the team.

But as I grow older
I have no illusions
about glorious violence.
I don’t feel romantic
about days gone by,
or forget all the suffering
caused when men lose touch
with the sacred feminine.

Sometimes I blush
to admit my tenderness,
not wanting to come out
from behind the fallen rocks
along the shores of manhood.