"Big boys don't cry."

Man, you choose anger

and it breaks my heart.

I understand society says:

"Big boys don't cry."

With the words

"Be a man"

all weakness is condemned.

All emotions pithy.

But to condemn one

is to scorn the other.

For what woman

wants a man thus?

Who in truth, is not what he is

nor what he could have been.

For what he could of been

died at the sound of

"Big boys don't cry."

For the tears that never came

lies a price for man and woman.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

What wise words you have penned here. There is nothing wrong with expressing genuine emotion. We all have to accept the consequences of our feelings and our actions. To hide those feelings is to deny not only ourselves, but all those who care for us, a bona fide relationship. Great job, Diana. Lydi**

[Diana]

Thank you, Lydi. This was actually inspired by my little brother...

[Gee]

Big boys don't cry...tis mainly still the case, sadly. I work in construction, manage 50 plus men and over time have become the dry shoulder, confidante, " friend"
I still have them apologising for showing emotion which kinda baffled me as my heart is worn firmly on my sleeve.
I like this piece muchly ma'am

[Josh Dollar]

Really wise words, Diana! Really said well!

[Diana]

Thank you, Josh.

[Frieda P]

Society dictates so much of men and women's behaviors, we're taught this notions at a young age...it's no wonder we come from different planets. Wise words, well said Diana.

[Diana]

I just don't buy the different planets thing, though I "get" the cultural allusion. Thanks, Frieda.

[SUGATA M]

Your poem made my cry (in joy) being an semi-old big boy.

[Diana]

Hah hah. I'm glad. I've always believed men are boys at heart or something to that effect.

[Sami Khalil]

Society expects so many things from men or boys vs. girls and condemn weak ones. And crying is asign of that. I don't subscribe to that for I feel we are after all human and have low and high points , low and high emotions and so forth...You have penned a great one...:)...............

[Diana]

Thank you for understanding. I didn't want to make it too gender-specific. Society is hard on both at the end of the day.

[Jack...]

No emotion is off limits in my opinion when love is involved. Very nicely stated Diana.

[Diana]

True. Thank you, Jack.