TO BE A MAN

 

I thought that to be a man was about strength

But every bold muscle turns infirm and slight

I thought to be a man was about armor

But the latest style just ousted the latest style

I thought to be a man was about winning

But the loss of that idea weakens me

And makes this sole verse a losing game.

I thought to be a man was about teamwork

Then whom do I talk to in my true solitude

I thought to be a man was about the discharge

But guns are never the solution for so many

Well-fought men are dead three seconds a day.

I thought to be a man was about possession

Then Judas was more man than his master

I thought to be a man was to be stoic

Unwavering, impregnable, predicting but

Even the oldest statues must feel the gentlest rain.

A.J. Di Angelis