They Call Me
they call me
Boy
i play with toys
flush barbies
and make noise
cuts and bruises
are kissed by mom
crying lasts til she makes me calm
clothes were made
for dirt and grime
stories were written
to be told at bedtime
tantrums thrown
when my wishes are
denied
tears rained heavily
when my pet tadpole
died
they call me
Man
I swallow tears
choke back emotion
and follow peers
base worth and value
on cars and clothes
told me to get a girl
and a couple side ho’s
my face stays blank
like computer paper
father says
expression
is a feminine flavor
but love is okay
to a certain degree
I learned how to feel
without
sensitivity
and my manhood?
always protected
so that girl wasn’t shit if I’m rejected
cuz I know she was taught
to love these guns
and fall for greenbacks and mutual funds
i know
i know
society wouldn’t fucking lie
and tell me that to be a man
i couldn’t ever cry
Julian Daniels
Image by Bakenius
Jayulian
