Joe Yapzor

They say I’m okay,
But I’m among the most insane.
They say men don’t cry,
But, Charley, I’m the most fragile.

For fear of mockery,
My brothers have led the way,
To the underworld,
On the wings of suicide,
Through accidents and risks too high to take.

In the land of opportunities,
They make the affirmative call,
Not for me, but against me.
I must be twice as good to win.
My chances are thinning,
Yet the bills keep piling.

They believe I’m the strongest,
So I can’t be abused.
When I cry foul, they say, “Man up.”
When I fight back,
They throw me behind bars.
Is silence what they desire?

They expect me to provide,
But rarely give me the chance to earn.
They want a loving father in me,
Yet, never show me what love looks like.
They ask for emotional presence,
But when was the last hug given for free?

Well, I’m just a boy,
Forced to be a man long before puberty.
I’m just a teen,
But fear of the future has greyed my hair.
I’m in my twenties,
Yet they expect houses and cars.

Cut the crap,
I’m just a boy.

I, too, deserve to be told,
“You are loved.”
I, too, deserve to be pampered.
I, too, deserve to hear,
“This boy can.”
I, too, need empowerment.

Your failure to uplift me
May lead me to the streets.
Your failure to nurture me
May turn me into a beast.
Expecting more than I can give
May send me behind bars,
Or to a place from which none return.

I’m just a boy.
Don’t force me to grow too early.
Empower me, and I will blossom.
Guide me, and I will give you my best.
I’m only a boy,
Give me the chance to prove my worth.

#AttenToTheBoyChild
#EmpowerHim.