Jesse Rowe Poet Rhyme

To Be a Man: Response To Kipling's - If

To be a man, was once worthy of applying,
     But lesser men have since sullied that name
And claimed hold of such title justifying
     Acts that put their own forebears to shame.
To be a man, my son, is no endeavor
     To which I hope will be your sole pursuit.
Instead seek something better still, however,
     A name that no others can pollute.

Be yourself, my son, and remain steadfast.
     Don't heed the jeers or flattery of men.
Aim for the heights, but help the downcast.
     Remember, truly, none are greater than.
Be true to the hope that is within you.
     Do what is right when none will ever know.
For character is not forged by fires passed through,
     But after, by the anvil and the hammer's blow.

Throughout the storms, hold true to your convictions,
     But not just for another told you so.
Don't limit yourself by past restrictions,
     And there will be no end to where you'll go.

10.23.18
Contest:  In Response to If

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Suzanne Delaney March 10, 2019 at 1:31 PM I always liked the If poem and your response to it is wonderful....I especially liked these two lines....so true when you think of it, “For character is not forged by fires passed through, But after, by the anvil and the hammer's blow.” Congratulations and nice to read your work. SuZ Jesse Rowe March 18, 2019 at 5:55 AM Thank you, that was my own "aha" moment. Realizing that adversity doesn't change us but rather makes us pliable to some hard and painful adjustments if we put in the work to do it.

Gregory Richard Barden January 22, 2019 at 5:38 PM Always loved Kipling, and this does the prompt exquisite justice ... your writing never disappoints, Jesse, and there is always a blessing within - I can say that about very few poets here. Excellent work and a fav! (I pray you will return to PS - your energy is sorely missed, and has left a hole in the fabric). Blessings! :-)

Anne-Lise Andresen November 26, 2018 at 12:30 AM - Congratulations on yours: "In response to IF ...." poems, Jesse :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Eve Roper November 25, 2018 at 6:34 PM Nicely done, Jesse, being themselves is what is important.... congratulations on your placement in the contest I enjoyed reading..

Silent One November 25, 2018 at 10:41 AM Great response Jesse.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

Gershon Wolf November 12, 2018 at 4:16 PM I agree with you: "Be yourself" is much better counsel than the proverbial "Be a man." Best wishes, Gershon

M. L. Kiser October 23, 2018 at 4:28 PM An excellent pen; love this: "For character's not forged by fires passed through, But after, by the anvil and the hammer's blow." Good luck in the contest.