The Stranger

A test of manhood.

A stranger came to me.

What beast are you? said he.

 

No beast. A man I be.

No more, no less, said I.

 

You a man? I think not.

A bear, a dog perhaps?

 

            Stranger, have you no eyes?

            Two legs have I. Two arms.

            No fur. No claw. No tail.

            It is a man you see.

 

            Then do what men must do.

            To prove a man you be.

 

            And what is that I pray?

 

            Think and dream. Dare to be

            More than you’re meant to be.

            I’ll wait and watch and see.

 

            With crossed arms and raised brow

            A look of doubt he cast.

           

            I thought and thought and thought.

            I did not understand

            How to be more than me.

            Anger grew hot inside.

           

I am a man! I cried,

            And struck him down.

            It was a mighty blow,

            A deadly blow I fear.

 

            Before he closed his eyes

            He looked at me and said,

            Ah, yes. I see it now.

A man you be indeed.

 

© 2016 Stanley R. Teater

    All rights reserved

Reviews

[goddessofwriting]

Flowed very smoothly, was a very pleasurable read. Great poem!

- G.W. :)

[Ladyinblck]

Think and dream. Dare to be. More than you’re meant to be. I’ll wait and watch and see, wow! I love your poem! how easily the words flow and combine, its simply beautiful.

[Jenny Leigh]

Very nice poem Stanley. A beast he was inside I think and he just wanted to deny it to himself.

[Dr. Ryan Nolte]

A man because he has a choice, maybe a beast because he doesn't know why he's a man. Brilliant. Being human certainly means more than our simple daily grind. If we do no more than we think, if we do no more than our routine, we are probably not very far removed from beasts.

[W R Stowe]

Unfortunately so many have different opinions of what makes us men.Truth is what makes us men is what we have within our heart not how tough,tall,goodlooks,or how many women you conquest good expression though

[Bryan Irion]

It is so smooth to read, I love the way you express it. Thank you for sharing.

[Jamey]

Think and dream. Dare to be
More than you’re meant to be.
I’ll wait and watch and see.

This made me think more that I thought it should lol

[ReedWrite]

OMG...loved this piece.
Talk about a powerful statement.
Loved these lines:
Think and dream. Dare to be/More than you’re meant to be.
Only to have that noble thought crushed by your ending...but sooo true. So very true.
Great piece.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

I liked reading this! Portrays exactly the emotions of humans with feelings. Good job ☺

[JacobMarloe]

I admire your control. I found it easygoing, familiar even, so convincingly done that I failed to see its culmination. Delightful.