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Open Poetry #10
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Real Men Do Cry
| Open Poetry #10 |
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Real Men Do Cry |
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Mark R. Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113San Francisco, CA. |
As a child I remember falling and scraping my knee, I called out loudly for my father to come see. Tear after tear fell from my eyes, As father told me, that real men don't cry. I've carried those words with me throughout my life, Through high school, college, and the choosing of a wife. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a weakling, I'm far from it, I'm just saying, that somethings are just too hard to admit. Like the time I broke my leg playing soccer, And I had to walk around using a walker. Now it wasn't the broken leg, but rather shame, That caused me all my grief, all my pain. My life was always full of horrible surprises, If I'd overcome one, another always rises. Yet my tears I kept inside, Showing only my strength and my pride. I'd always thought of myself as the manliest of men, Overcoming obstacles again and again. Until that day... That I found myself walking down a narrow walkway, Beautiful, yet it filled me with dismay. Flowers to the left and to the right, And people everywhere in sight. Tears began to fall uncontrollably down my cheeks, Tears I had stored for many, many weeks. I finally reached where my wife, many years, did lie, Her head upturned as if she were reaching for the sky. My wife had died of pneumonia one day, And we had done everything together until she passed away. In those few weeks that had gone by, I learned that real men--------------do cry....... |
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| © Copyright 2000 Mark R. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Good morning Mark, I stopped by and read your poem. I have tears in my eyes for you. I'm glad I stopped by, but I don't have the words at present to describe how I feel. Bill |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Yes Mark, real men do...and they are that much better, strong, and real, for it... thank you for sharing this very passionate piece... Karilea When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Ah this brought tears to my eyes this morning. I've always said, it takes a real man to show emotion. God cries, what makes man think he's so infallible? I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you were able to cry. Especially for the one you love so very much! As you pour out your heart, it has certainly touched mine in a tender way! <*\\\>< I know not what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. |
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Mark R. Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113San Francisco, CA. |
Thank you Bill, Sunshine, and Whtdove. I appreciate your warm words... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Mark--Yes, they do...they have tender hearts too...yours certainly shows in this poem. |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Well Mark, as you know, real men do cry and it takes the strength of a real man to admit it. Evev this ole cowboy will shed a tear or two upon the range. Beautifully written and straight from a "REAL" man's heart. |
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The Lonely Stranger Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 361Upstate, NY, USA |
John 11:35 "Jesus wept" Excellent excellent poem. Very touching |
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Mark R. Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113San Francisco, CA. |
Thanks again to those who've responded with nothing but kindness. May you all continue writing and recieving great responses...Thank you again.  |
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brian madden Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 4374ireland |
Mark it takes a lot to make me cry but it happened recently, and I believe that tears do help, they can be a way of expressing true love in strained times. MArk I am sorry for your loss but I know that her spirit will be with you always. beautiful poem. "an afixiation a fix on anything the line of life the limb of a tree the hands of he and the promise that s/he is blessed among women". Patti Smith |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
Oh man, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry just doesn't seem right, I certainly don't know how you feel. I can say for sure that you're right, an man who DOESN'T cry, is not a man at all. Great big Hugs to you Mark. ~Sheri |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
It takes a REAL man to cry... It's hard to let your feelings show, but it's even harder to keep them in. I'm glad that you learned to cry. Keep up the good work! False gems may shine as brightly as the genuine article, but there are always those who can tell the diffrence. |
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Jenn E Senior Member
since 2000-08-02
Posts 589Kelowna, BC, Canada |
This is one of the most emotionally, powerfully written poems I think I have read. As tears trickle down my cheeks let me say that you are a "real man" as I am a "real woman".......all people who are real, cry. I think it must be more painful to hold back tears then to let them all out.....as that is part of healing and letting out the sadness. My deepest thoughts to you Warm Smiles Jenn E |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
A tender poem! I agree that you are more of a man if you do cry. I love your message Take care, Melissa Honeybee The beauty of poetry gives my soul wings to fly free within dreams |
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Rosebud1229 Senior Member
since 2000-04-05
Posts 1813North Carolina |
Real men do cry, and Mark your poem in so very lovely, Your words are so very sad, but there is sadness sometimes especially men tend to lock inside as you said, I'm so glad you realize that it's not intended that way, me on the other hand am sometimes a real basket case, I hope you have a blessed day, and the sunshines and warms your heart, I'm so sorry . |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
Hello Mark... It is ok to cry, for man or woman. It's sad that our little boys were taught not to show their feelings, but thankfully the world has changed, and now that has become outdated. This was probably hard for you to write, my friend, but it touches the heart of the reader, and I thank you for that........ Today is a gift.... That is why they call it 'the Present'! |
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tori Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 520Mechanicsville, Maryland, USA |
Having grown up with 3 older brothers I lived your words in their lives.... so much so when I had my two son's many years ago I forbid anyone to tell them they could not cry when they were hurting... and they are very strong men today with very loving hearts This was such a wonderful trubute to your wife ~ If with pen in hand I've made you think I've not wasted one drop of ink Vlh. visit my site~ http://www.hsanet.net/user/dkm/hellomy.htm |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Mark, I don't know exactly what to say... saying I'm so sorry for your loss doesn't seem to be near enough. I can say that you have moved me with this amazing poem. My heart goes out to you along with warm hugs. ~~Tara aka rp25 :o) |
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Chanson Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559Up Creek w/Out Paddle |
Hello Mark......Wow. A very touching poem. (((Hugs))) And yes, Men DO cry. ...chanson~ Music, tonal clear & pure, Caresses the harshest of curves. -Song of Gesture |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Mark, I ditto all the other's comments and sorry this beautiful poem was written under such difficult circumstances. HugsBe well Kethry "It is the image in the mind that links us to lost treasures; but it is the loss that shapes the image, gathers the flowers weaves the garland."- |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
Superb my friend. . . A man who shows his emotions is respected. . . and you have ours. . . Tender and heartfelt. . . ------------------------------------------------------ That which gives light must endure burning --Victor Frankl |
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dgvarner Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552High Springs, Florida |
it takes a real man to shed the tears that would otherwise poison his soul.. i am sincerely sorry for your loss.. but it seems you are a soul of much courage and i'm sure you will go on and change the lives of many more with such courage.. very wonderful writing.. hugs, dg theres no such thing as a failure who keeps trying--coasting to the bottom is the only disgrace. -j popper |
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Mark R. Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113San Francisco, CA. |
I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post. I really appreciate everyones comments and support. Thanks for everything, you all are truly my family. Thanks. P.S. Sorry for taking so long in responding. I just moved to Boston, and my new job has been very demanding. I hope to post more often as the my time is given back to me in the near future....again thanks for your support. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Mark, I have tears in my eyes now, also. I am so sorry for your loss, I cannot imagaine how hard to lose someone you were with for a long time. Good luck in your new venture in Boston. And keep writing the pain away.. peace Sandra |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
I cant imagine a man more real than you...this is exceptional...powerful...and truly lovely...I have a shoulder whenever you need to cry. |
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jonmcm Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222England |
Mark, thankyou for sharing and I'm sorry to read of your loss. Real men do cry; something that I am only now learning. Thanks mate, Jon |
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