Bloody Tears
“There are few sights or sounds more distressing
than to discover a man weeping”. (Anon).
Men rarely cry in public. It’s not thought
Their right response to suffering or loss,
To stress or fear. Women may demonstrate
Emotions’ overplus with copious
Outfalls of tears; but stoic men should not
Express such sensitivity, for shame!.
This social concept of ‘male pride’ is what
Inhibits them from freely giving rein
To grief for hurt or harm.
So, when men weep,
It is internally, with tears of blood
More saline than the sea, pressed from distraught
Hearts wrung in secrecy; for men must keep
Their outwardly composure lest their honest mood
Reveals some weakness that another might exploit!.
