The core of masculinity
does not derive from being male,
nor friendliness from those who console.
Your old grandmother says,
“Maybe you shouldn’t go to school.
You look a little pale.”
Run when you hear that.
A father’s stern slaps are better.
Your bodily soul wants comforting.
The severe father wants spiritual clarity.
He scolds but eventually leads you into the open.
Pray for a tough instructor to hear and act
and stay within you.
We have been busy accumulating solace.
Make us afraid of how we were.
I honor those who try to rid themselves
of any lying,
who empty the self and
have only clear being there.
