Strength
It is not that men feel anything less
Gender has no bearing on emotion
It is that they never learned to express
Any heart-felt, emotive notion
Our role models would always pain deny
Great strength must be shown when you face your fear
So, brush yourself off and don’t you dare cry
Told there is weakness in shedding a tear
The stoic faces that taught our manhood
The rocks amongst the emotional wave
We learned from them, being soft was no good
And that their feeling less was somehow brave
My life, the pages of so many years
And as my life’s book is placed on the shelf
There is greater truth for young men to hear
You must learn to give of your inner self
Emotions hidden for any great length
Do remain like dark stains upon the soul
Feelings, when shared, a formidable strength
It is our letting go that makes us whole
Bravado is an emotional toll
Avoid paying it any way you can
Be strong enough to play a different role
Strong enough to become a better man
commonsensiblyspeaking 
Another well done!
Thank you, Crystal! Your are so kind with your words and a blessing to my day!
Yes! How I wish every young up and coming man – and those who already are – would learn this!
Just so we are clear, I am better at giving advice than taking my own, so you won’t find my heart on my sleeve just yet. But that is where it should be.
Reblogged this on Ramblings and Ruminations and commented:
This says it all and needs on additional words from me!
My great sage!! Awesome words of well meant wisdom. They should read and follow. I whole heartedly agree with every word you say, Brad.
Thank you, Poetress! I could do a better job of being more open myself. But I hope my words will make it less of a struggle for others. Love you for all your support! ❤
No worries , 😊🤗
Well written, great verses and a message that needs to be told again and again…loved it Brad!
Thank you, Francisco! Your ability to express yourself openly though your words and art is a great example for young men today. The beauty you create through expression is the epitome of male strength!
Thank you Brad! That was so well expressed and so true as men should not shy away from beauty, from emotions and from expressing one’s feelings and thoughts. You’ve quite a jewel with that poem!
Brad, this is beautifully written. As for the message I am sure you know from where it comes. It’s cultural and in this part of the world we teach our children that expressing emotions means weakness. The society itself judges you for that. It is worse when it comes to women, I am sure you know. So how do we change the structure of our society because this is definitely structural. What do we do?
Thank you, dear Gabriela! It is certainly a societal structure problem, and it is worse for women. For young men, my only suggestion is that the role models they have need to help them see empathy, sympathy, and emotional expression just as important as the success and recognition we give our athletes and their physical prowess. But that feels like a wish in the wind. So, we do what we can, we speak the truth and hope for change! Always your friend! 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful reply, Brad.
Always your friend too. And your friend is sending you some love. xoxo
Have a beautiful day, Brad.
Your words have left me a bit speechless, but I can say all the love is returned ten fold! 😘💕😁
Thank you so much, Brad. I am taking all the love I can get.
wonderful words once again; you almost had me in tears 🙂
but I agree, men need to be willing to show their emotions more, and like you, I am a a work in progress…
Thank you, Jim! It feels amazing to know my words have touched you in that way. All we can do is try to be a better example to our children.
that’s a good way to think of it!
A great message on strength. Quite motivational 👌
Thank you, V! You are a great example to other young men on the value of being true to your feelings.
Those are very big words Brad, I only try to express what I feel, its more like listening to my own thoughts. I value your words and this poetry is an epic example of strength 💪
Fantastic words of wisdom 👏👏👏
Thank you, my sweet!
If truth be told, I’ve been a coward for the most of my time, and I was even more afraid to show it for I thought I’d suffered enough already. But now I realize in order to be brave, I must first be brave enough to accept my weaknesses. So I’ve started to put my heart onto pen and paper. I’ve planned on up my truths and feelings. Still don’t know how everyone’s gonna take it, but I think the best way to get over your fears is to accept them first and then move on. Your brilliant poetry gave me a bit more courage to do so.
Loved it! 👍
Thank you so very kindly for your beautiful words, Shounak! I encourage you to express yourself without concern for what acceptance it may receive. And, I am so thankful that you may have found a small modicum of help from my words! Best of luck!