L'Nass Shango Poet Free verse

Real Men Must Never Cry

The taught me as a boy
To grit my teeth
And hold the strain
And never ever cry
I was not a poor student
In the school of my traditions
Even when the teacher
Was an invisible presence

My mother hushed me when I had the flu
And fed medicines I took
To stop the ache of tooth or head
And I wrapped in her bed
Smell still now the bushes boiled to solution
That dissolved the cause of all my tears
I shed in secret in then.
To the world
I painted pretty pictures of my scars
And smiled
Turning to a sense of humor
When I felt the thunder
Shaking me like fallen stars.

Now time like a river
Runs its crooked course through me
And I have arteries
And tributaries dammed
So much
The pressure of my blood
Wanting me out of the game
Would pop my head
And I wish I could let it out 
But my eyes are forbidden to bleed
The unyielding relief in my tears:
Real men must never cry.

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Sharon Winter May 4, 2009 at 5:01 AM This is sadly true for so many. Well, back in the days our parents taught us the way they were taught, so of course we cannot fault them. Now we know this is at worst, unhealthy. Yes, real men do cry. I have a suggestion, watch a very sad movie when you are alone, and let it all out. Actually I heard this from a doctor. I could write more but I would be rambling and most likely annoying : ) . Your writing excels. Love, Shar

Yoni Dvorkis May 3, 2009 at 6:40 PM Interesting language. I really like the 'painted pictures of my pretty scars' line and the 'eyes are forbidden to bleed'. You have a way with imagery. Best wishes, Yoni

Laurie Ginn May 3, 2009 at 5:55 PM I was so glad to read this a satire. There's such a strength in a man that can cry and admit he has feelings. Nice write L'nass

Carrie Richards May 3, 2009 at 5:48 PM Many men could tell the same tale....what a shame that boys are often taught that it's a sign of weakness to show emotion.....I am inclined to think that men who are willing to open their hearts enough to show joy, or pain, tears and sorrow, are much more understanding and caring of someone else's pain. Well done, L'nass.