I wrote this poem about a year ago during the preparation for a performance of a Relationship Dance with some very brave men...and women. We performed our life stories on stage to several audiences. It was glorious to see the men unfold particularly, as it is unusual for men to play in this realm of open heartedness and vulnerability. In writing this piece and performing it for the men, I also found great growth in opening my heart to them.

When I see one of these men now randomly in our spiritually blessed town of Asheville, I feel great love and respect flowing both ways. As a child, I was taught that “boys” were not to be mingled with and certainly could not entertain them as friends. As an adult, far too many years later, I have found that friendships with these grown-up boys are one the great gifts of this life.

Ah-men :) ~ In peace and love...Breah

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Ah…men.
Ah, ah, ahhhhh-ah…men.
I love men.
I love men who are adventurous.
I love men who are strong and
Emotional and filled with spirit.
I love men who are still little boys
Busy building a cool tree fort.

Do I know you?
Do I know how you feel?
I’m not sure.
I’m curious.
My mind wants to know
How you responded when life
Dropped out from under
And you were all of a sudden
In a new way of being,

Ah…men.
I love that you still can wrestle each other
And make roaring sounds.
I love that you really did feel something
When all of that happened.
You kept your silence and found
A landslide resting on your heart.

I love that you pushed away
the boulder to see what was there.
Neck craning to look out from your shelter.
A turtle comes to mind.
Men are like turtles.
They carry their home with them.
I admire that.
I’m still learning that.

Do I know you?
Or do I presume too much
And project my own grief
And make my life yours?
Are you a boy inside there?
Is there a soft, vulnerable place
Inside your heart?
Do you want to be
Loved just like me?

Ah…men.
I love how you committed to grow
Living your life to its limits…
Limits apparently now nonexistent
Or getting closer to it.
I love that you have mustered the courage
To dance in the accustomed territory of women,
Cracking open your heart to give and receive love.

Ah…men.
You who ride the edge of this new frontier,
You who lead and love together as one.  
Ah…men and women.

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Breah Parker is the creator/author/illustrator of Verbal Remedies™. Breah’s book, Dare to Dream, and website http://www.verbalremedies.com are all about living your dreams! Vibrant colorfully illustrated bits of wit and wisdom will have you dancing to the rhythm of and singing the song of your soul! Questions or comments, email breah@verbalremedies.com.