A Man

sextets in tetrameter

A Man.

 

A man who knows he is a man,

his gentleness quite freely shows.

His confidence is such, he can

dispense with all the macho shows.

For which lesser men feel the need.

All bluff and braggadocio.

 

A man who knows he is a man

sees little need to brag and boast

He acts gently because he can

show tenderness is uppermost,

he knows he’s not an also ran.

 He is a man first and foremost.

 

His instinct always to protect

The weak, the old and the helpless

He treats all women with respect

 But tolerates the foolishness

 of lesser men who can’t expect

to be admired for manliness.

 

A man who knows he is a man

 within himself is quite content.

By nature he’s a gentleman

 to all and sundry evident.

He is no ranting puritan!

 to be a man his sole intent.

 

Apr-12

Reviews

[Tate Morgan]

Bravo you espouse the same philosophy I see in those I admire

[Nope]

Really liked this - it reminded me of a Knight in Shining Armour character, noble and brave, as if encompassing all the qualities you list is just what a man should be. I especially love these lines -

But tolerates the foolishness
of lesser men who can’t expect
to be admired for manliness.