the shame impulse
returns
when I cry.
This false
Kevlar masculinity
now breaks
easier than
an egg.
I worked hard
to retrain
these dry,
stoic
eyes,
and
I don’t care
if it makes you
uneasy,
uncomfortable.
It makes me
human.
[Written for https://dversepoets.com/2018/03/26/quadrille-53-egg/]
Crying makes one human.
ReplyDeleteThis is is a wonderful testament to how powerful vulnerability is to keep us all human.
ReplyDeleteNo shame in shedding a few tears 💜
ReplyDeleteSo it is. That shame impulse can be hard to keep at bay.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's right. I was trained under those warnings too. Most men were at a tender age. That's why we're a mess now. Your comparison of an egg breaking as the tears flow is quite humanizing. Time for a change
ReplyDeleteVery nice.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely...tears make us human. I think real men cry.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. It is hard being human.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the spoken part in the 10cc song 'I'm Not in Love': 'Big boys don't cry'. My husband seems to be more susceptible to tears these days too. I love the lines:
ReplyDelete'This false
Kevlar masculinity
now breaks
easier than
an egg'.
Indeed, whatever it takes to keep us human.
ReplyDeletePartly I wish I could break that harshness... but I'm glad I'm spared the sorrow that makes it happen.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why we expect kids -- boys or girls -- to not cry. Emotions are human.
ReplyDeleteThis is Wonderful, thank you...
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I've always thought it was a cruel expectation. Crying should be natural for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe world would be a healthier place, if this sense of 'maleness' was lost permanently and free range of all emotions were allowed. Having experienced the destructive impact of bottling up of emotions can have one's life. Wish more people can read and understand the true impact of this poem on others' lives.
ReplyDeleteDon't suppress anything, it poisons the soul, typical Scorpio that I am, I have felt the pain of unshed tears
ReplyDeleteWise words, Mosk. We need more men like you. “Kevlar masculinity” is inspired!
ReplyDelete