Home » Poems » Silent One » I'M Just a Man

Notes About The Poem

This is a poem I wrote in 2015. Stumbled across it today and thought I would post it.

A group of Turkish students decided to use it for poetry week and it won first prize.

They produced a mini film about the poem. The link is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAPIRC_jlwc&list=LLZ93xjh2-6LproDirSZuFfQ&index=10

I'M Just a Man

You sat there crying with tears rolling down you face
Asked me why I didn’t show you any compassion
All I could say was that: 
‘I’m just a man’

I should have wiped away your tears and held you tight
Told you I loved you and everything will be all right
Yet, I showed no emotion, 
because ‘I’m just a man’

All the answers to your questions, I couldn’t find
I was impatient, 
because ‘I’m just a man’
All those times you would scream and shout went unnoticed
I thought you would calm down after the silence
I never meant to hurt you, 
but ‘I’m just a man’

I can still remember the day you said goodbye
I was so confident you would come running back
I wish I wasn’t so arrogant, 
but ‘I’m just a man’

I saw you walking the other day with another guy
I can’t help but be jealous, 
because ‘I’m just a man’

I saw you smile and you seemed so happy
Finally, you met someone who understood you
Who will show you compassion and hold you tight
You deserve a real man, not someone still a boy

But how could I understand, 
when I don’t understand myself
I was an unloved child who lost his childhood
Nobody taught me how to become a man
Nobody told me the difference between right and wrong
Nobody taught me how to love and care for another
School didn’t teach me anything about life

Now here I am again all alone, 
dealing with the ghost of the past
Even though you don’t think so, 
I did love you deeply
Guess I didn’t say it enough, 
because ‘I’m just a boy
I hope you have forgiven me 
for the times I hurt you
Because 
‘I’m not a man’, 
‘I’m just a boy’

The Silent One
Simple Musing
Originally posted
9 September 2015

absencelost lovelove hurtsprose

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 5/16/2018 2:51:00 PM

Powerful poetry, SO! Your pen shines as always, brother. Love and peace forever.

Alisa Balaieva

Date: 2/25/2018 10:45:00 AM

I have no words. The poem is incredible, deep and soulful. Everyone is " just a man/woman", we make mistakes because we weren't taught and we didn't know how to be. That happens, but that makes us people. We are just people with falls and fails, with our dark past and uncertain future. Thanks for this opportunity to read and to analyse. Have a nice day)

Sakshi Singh

Date: 2/15/2018 1:55:00 AM

Awesome poem! Showing the expectations of girls from her partner as well as emotions & reality of her partner not behaving according to her expectations.

Lunita Blanca

Date: 12/20/2017 12:05:00 PM

Most men are better than they seem to be. Thanks for sharing.

Anand Parmale

Date: 12/14/2017 12:08:00 PM

What a wonderful piece of touching write...Silent,Great to see you back with your treasure stock...

Suzanne C. Goudreau

Date: 10/27/2017 10:07:00 PM

Nicely done SO. Growing up with opportunities is a blessing. Sad this man did not have this privilege. Very moving read. You've nailed it to the core! Excellently scripted.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 10/24/2017 1:22:00 PM

Wow! Your poetry said it all, this person was not ready for a relationship, because he was still a boy on the inside. I have enjoyed reading this poem. have a nice day my friend.

Sunita U.D Palawon

Date: 10/10/2017 11:38:00 AM

Man is human after all! Well said. :) Sunita

Sherifat Aduku

Date: 10/10/2017 8:12:00 AM

Brilliant. And so touching. I enjoyed reading this.

Old Buck

Date: 10/5/2017 11:48:00 AM

I came back to read this again. Shouldn't have picked a dreary rainy day. To depressing in that setting. Still one of the best I've read anywhere. Keep them coming and maybe someday the movie will be about the writer. oldbuck

Moon Flower

Date: 9/29/2017 9:21:00 PM

I got goosebumps on the entire scenario. Great write as always. Glad you've reposted this, S.O.

Carole Duet

Date: 9/29/2017 7:58:00 PM

Everyone has to be taught how to love either with words or by example. And, if someone receives neither they are not prepared for Love's tosses and tumbles. You expressed regret and the reasons for your shortcomings very well but you are not alone. Many men have never actually grown up. Sad.

Lynn Marie

Date: 9/28/2017 2:37:00 AM

You touch upon emotions not nearly spoken of enough in a beautifully expressive piece. The honesty of your words convey the vulnerability of men who had no role models or guidance as they matured and the line "I'm just a boy", is heartbreaking in its truthfulness of this glaring void. An important powerful write and film that will change lives for all men seeking a positive, life affirming step towards becoming all they were meant to be. An extraordinary piece SO; one to be very proud of. a fave

Afzal Nusker

Date: 9/27/2017 11:30:00 PM

Greatness of this poem is how raw and simple it is. Very powerful message. It deserved to be made into a film.

Alexis Y.

Date: 9/27/2017 7:35:00 AM

Hi Silent, I'm so glad you reposted this well written write. Congrats on this being used to make a film. I agree, some "men" weren't taught how to be a men. However some "men" don't want to do the necessary things to grow up, therefore they remain boys:-) Alexis

Probir Gupta

Date: 9/27/2017 5:00:00 AM

Excellent poem on our unconscious personality ... I will have to read again ...

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/27/2017 12:50:00 AM

I really like this one, and how you ended up saying "just a boy" It is something that affects a lot of males, this way of not being taught correctly from youth what being a man really entails. WEll done.

Donna Loughman

Date: 9/26/2017 8:52:00 PM

Excellent poem! I found this poem hopeful as the boy grew up to recognize the traits of a real man. Thank you for posting.

Patricia Cresswell

Date: 9/26/2017 5:33:00 PM

When I read this poem I feel sad. We humans have rotten communication skills and it is one of the most important abilities to have.

Frank Sheehan

Date: 9/26/2017 4:32:00 PM

Excellent piece fantastically written. Enjoyed it immensely. It rings of truth and conveys a powerful message.

Becca Teagan

Date: 9/26/2017 3:28:00 PM

I remember this one. I love the video that was created. I love this poem. There are many "boys" who will not admit they are not men, who show no compassion or love. YOU are a good man, Silent.

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/26/2017 10:50:00 AM

Yet again, you awe me with the depth and creativity in your work my friend. A great privilege to have your top class poetry put to film! Reminds me somewhat of the fine collaboration series you and I did long ago. A fav..thanks..

Vennela Dharmakari

Date: 9/26/2017 9:11:00 AM

Wow!! Amazing! Silent One ,I love the way you write