While thinking about how society expects little boys to behave like men, I was inspired to write this poem.

Little Boy

One day
you’ll be a strong man,
but today
you‘re just a kid.

Although you know
society expects you
to behave like a man
it’s okay to enjoy
the simple pleasures
that comes with
just being a kid.

There’s nothing abnormal about
needing a hug.

There’s nothing unmanly about
expressing your fears.

It's okay to say your prayers.

After all,
our Creator is the one
who carries us
through those needy years.

And, having the courage
to express yourself
will demonstrate
that you are indisputably
a strong man.

So, forget about
what society thinks
you should or should not do.

You don't have to prove
to anyone
that you are equally
tough on the inside
as you are on the outside.

Besides,
it's much more admirable
to be considered
an independent thinker
than to be known as
someone who relies on
others to do his thinking.

And of course you know,
it’s foolish to try to meet
someone's demands
because the more you try
to please,
the more
you'll have to do to please.

And, going along to get along
will only signify...
you have a lot more
maturing to do
before anyone will ever
consider you a strong man.


Copyright © 2003 by Dolores Dawes, all rights reserved.

Here's a special note to children everywhere, who may be wondering how to stop someone from bullying them:

If ever someone tries to bully you, first stand up for yourself. When I say stand up for yourself, I don't mean physical combat because most bullies carry weapons to intimidate their victims.

Standing up for oneself means, you must not go along with someone else’s opinion to get along, and to avoid any further stress on your part, you must walk away from the situation immediately!

Then you must go directly to someone in authority and tell him/her about the incident because if you should remain "A Silent Victim," you will be giving that bully more time to harass you, which means the situation will only get worse.