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Open Poetry #50

The True Measure of a Man

Gunslinger
Senior Member

since 1999-10-09

Posts 901
TX, USA

0 posted 2019-05-04 03:45 PM

I guess I’m big and ugly-
At least, so I’ve been told.
I was never much to look at-
Even less as I grow old.

But a book is not the cover,
Which may be stained and worn;
Nor even in the pages-
Which may be frayed and torn.

The value is the content-
The words and works of art.
And the value of a person
Are the things within his heart.

If a man can see the beauty
In a rushing mountain stream-
Or the touch of the Almighty-
In the sunrise’ golden gleam.

Or look into the careworn-
Features of a maid-
Whose heart has oft been broken-
And confidence betrayed;

And look beneath the heartache,
The sorrow and the grief:
And see the tender virgin-
Who is hidden underneath.

Or look upon the street kids-
Their swagger and their pride-
To mask the insecurities-
They really feel inside.

And see the little boy,
Who cries himself to sleep-
And have the tender feelings-
Himself, to go and weep.

To lean against the cell doors-
And cast his glance inside…
Upon a hopeless prisoner,
A man condemned to die.

And own him as a brother,
A confidant and friend,
And be content, his life and time-
With such a man to spend.

If these things be your nature-
And years and miles they span-
Be sure that when your journey ends-
At least you’ll die a man.

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

1 posted 2019-05-04 08:38 PM

That about covers it, John.

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

2 posted 2019-05-04 08:55 PM

holy hell John, this brought tears to my eyes. beautifully done.

icebox
Member Elite

since 2003-05-03

Posts 4383
in the shadows

3 posted 2019-05-10 02:21 PM

well said!

Namyh
Senior Member

since 2009-01-20

Posts 988

4 posted 2019-05-10 11:45 PM

Gunslinger - Now that's well written poetry with an insight defining us men. Hats off and Kudos. Most enjoyed John. Namyh

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