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Rugged Man

So it has been said
To live the life of a man
Is to show no feeling



But I pose these questions
Who has said this? 
For with this person 
I wish to converse
And where is it written? 
Guide me in that direction



Across the expanse of time
Man has endured his many roles: 
Hunters on the prairies
Devoted disciples to their Messiahs
Fighting gladiators in Roman arenas
Mighty pharaohs adorned and worshipped
Protectors of the home
Victors over the battlefield
Cowboys during the wild west
Bikers in the desert terrain



We have filled our assigned duties
But somewhere along the way
In the evolution of man
Some translation has went astray……………………………………..




                                             (pause)  



Come closer………………………………………………




                                               (pause)  




And hear a man breeaatthh
Pace your head upon my chest
Listen to my heart thummppp
Slice my skin
Watch the blood slowly oozzzeee
Burden my back
And surely it will snaaapp



Give me a chance and you will see
I have muscles
But a heart as well
Man is not of stone
But of flesh and of bone



I will wrap my arms around you
To provide safety and warmth
But where will I turn in time of need? 
And never, never, let them see you cry



Remember, 
To gaze upon a rugged man
Is to see the hair on his face
Sweat on a creased forehead
And a will that won’t break



But consider for a moment, 
Seeing beyond what you have
Been conditioned to see
Look past the exterior 
Into the depths of his soul, 
You will see what I see



So I ask again, 
Who said that a man
Has no feeling? 
Where is it written?

Copyright © Mark Lee | Year Posted 2006

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