UNMASKING MASCULINITY

We men come across
bold, strong, courageous,
always putting on
an awkward smile.

Yet, ingrained in us
from day one onward, 
feelings aren’t shown and
emotions aren’t shared.

Reminded by all
maintain eye contact, 
remain stoic and
stand tall and be strong.

Wipe those tears away,
before your moment
finds its way to all,
showing your weakness.

Restrain your anger,
before your fury
evil escapes you,
without a filter.

Limit any signs
showing excitement,
contain happiness
or showing smiles.

You were raised a man,
not a little boy,
nor a sissy-boy,
nor a little girl.

We are expected
always to be brave, 
hide our true selves and
pretend we’re pain free.

As we get older,
our social circles,
may include one friend
maybe two or three.

Yet, unknowingly,
we push them aside,
keeping them distant,
to guard our secrets.

Suppressed way too long,
begging to escape,
at our weakest link,
we watch every move.

With each passing day,
every emotion
then every feeling,
gets buried deeper.

I confess, somewhere
hidden from your view,
men have emotions,
and feelings to share.

I don’t know how to,
let tears flow easy,
show my frustration,
smile, giggle or laugh.

A transformation
of my character,
began to take place,
albeit, slowly.

I still have problems,
talking of feelings,
showing emotions,
it just doesn’t fit.

My circle of friends,
found awkward moments,
where my emotions
and feelings released.

Little by little,
I become unmasked.
exposing someone, 
unfamiliar.

Slowly, I peel off
the ceramic mask, 
shattering like glass,
I begin to see light.

I see my former
stoic features fade,
replaced by softened, 
facial expressions. 

As the newly found
appearance surface,
I see a new me,
emerging today.

A new beginning,
seeing everything,
like if I’m seeing
my world all anew.

I allow tears to flow,
when I safely could.
I scream in anger, 
on rare occasions.

Photos capture my
genuine smiles.
Amongst my close friends,
my laughter is heard.

It was only then
this real man within,
found the confidence 
to be discovered.