Manhood

“Eat this, it’ll put hair on your chest.” 
“If it ain’t bleeding it don’t count.” 
These are words I was raised with; 
I don’t think I cried for anything, 
At least not until my 20’s. 
Not for the deaths of my grandparents, 
Or our neighbor, 
Or the dog. 
Not a single tear. 
Over time I've learned 
It's okay for a grown man to cry. 
It's okay for anyone to cry. 
It shows true strength, compassion. 
Life is hard and 
Sometimes we need to grieve 
In order to heal. 
Sometimes we must 
Grieve for ourselves 
So we may heal 
To enjoy a better tomorrow.