The reason I'm a Man
In truth, it’s just a name.
Many years ago
On the day that I was born
I was given a special title
A badge to be worn
****
Naked and afraid
Into this world I came
Mama’s little man
The Title I was gave
****
Many things were taught
And many things were shown
To guide me to be a man
When finally I was grown
****
What makes a man I would ask?
And answers I’d receive
Confusing my young mind
With statements just like these
****
Every time he questions
Every time he cries
Every time he’s angry
Something in him dies
****
Always there’s a reason
Always there’s a ruse
There’s something others see
So far from his truth
****
Many years have passed
And the world is a different place
It seems like social media
Divides the human race
****
What makes me so different?
It’s not some master plan
What makes you question motive?
Is the reason, I’m a man?
****
Is there something in my eyes?
Or something in your brain
That makes you not hear me
Or see I share your pain
****
Our roads are so different
In oh so many ways
But the emotions that you feel
A man feels them just the same
****
Some say I’m entitled
Because I’m male and white
Saying that I don’t understand
The battles that you fight
****
Please understand I do know
Even though you don’t believe
I’m a husband, father, son and brother
To the women that I need
****
I see everything that you see
Just in a different way
Unwanted privilege is a burden
That I carry every day
****
When I was just a little boy
I was shown how to be
A man with a purpose
All the words began with “P”
****
Provider and Protector
The most important ones
Privileged and Predator
Somehow we’ve become
****
Painting us all the same
Is a ridiculous thing to do
Just as truly frustrating
As when it’s done to you
****
Every man is different
Unique in their ways
Shaped by life’s struggles
Each and every day
****
Every person’s childhood
And all the things we see
Molds us like an artist’s clay
Into everything we’ll be
****
So even though we’re different
In some ways we’re the same
For the gender that divides us
In truth, it’s just a name
****
Understanding each other
Is what we need to do
Regardless of my gender
My other half is you
****
One without the other
We could never be
For we’re all part of nature
Just like the birds and bees
****
The women in my life
Have made me who I am
The balance that they gave me
Is the reason I’m a Man.
**********
About the Creator
Gerald Holmes
Born on the east coast of Canada. Travelled the world for my job and discovered that kindness is the most attractive feature in any human.
R.I.P. Tom Brad. Please click here to be moved by his stories.
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
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Keep reading
More stories from Gerald Holmes and writers in Poets and other communities.
Before Sylvester the Cat, there was Sylvester the Dog
Sylvester was a Merrie Melodies canine Sylvester, the Cat, is a beloved Looney Tunes character who debuted in March 1947 in the animated short Life with Feathers. The iconic Mel Blanc once said that he enjoyed voicing Sylvester, one of his favorite characters. The cartoon short that was near and dear to Blanc's heart was Bird's Anonymous which starred the popular cat.
By Cheryl E Preston4 days ago in Geeks
Comments (12)
Loved this, it's just what I needed at the moment, thank you.
This is very well worded . Excellent
This was so emotional and very touching. Yes, men and women, we are humans. Thank you for writing this! You're amazing!
I can see how Heahter's poem prompted you to revisit this poem of yours. It is very interesting reading these side by side!
This is so well stated, great job!
Thank you so much for writing this. Men get too little credit for who they are and what they do. Everytime I read something on social media where the guy says they hang onto the last compliment they received, and that compliment was 5 years old or more, makes me so sad. Men are incredible and you, Gerald, are both awesome and courageous to put this out. Here's your 👑 King.
Outestanding Gerald. Just fantastic!
Nice!
Fantastic! Subscribed.
I love this! You have a way of expressing things that I really enjoy !
Oh goodness, I could feel your honesty shining through in this!! What a gorgeous way to say we are all in this together, that everyone is unique and should be treated that way. Thank you so much for sharing this. I appreciate you!
Love this one. So well said. Previously hearted