The Man Died in this Boy

I am here hurt and fearful wondering why I cannot show someone how hurt I am. The words of my father still rings true,

"Fidelis stop acting like a woman. I didn't give birth to a coward. Why have you been lazying around?"

It was the norm. I constantly have to put up with such words from my mother and father asking me to show my manliness.

So it's the close of day at school, after all the giggles and public show of manliness, I'm under this tree truly lonely.

It takes effort to cover up emotions. This emotional baggage goes with me everywhere. But everyone is concerned about my supposed strength, the physicality.

Now I'm having this discussion with society.

Dear Society,

I see how you see me with the lenses of my fathers.

How you keep muttering into my ears how strong I should be.

You show me role models I should emulate.

Of boys who became men in the eyes of the society at an early age.

You tell me not to cry.

You tell me hold it in, stomach it and move on.

You tell me not to show my fears.

But in this boy, the man has died.

The man of tomorrow who would protect his environment and society is dead.

The man of true values who would create beautiful memories for our daughters is dead.

Guess what?

You killed the man in me!

Your incessant calls for your defined manliness killed the man in this boy.

So stop your hypocrisy.

Let me show my emotions, I own them.

Teach me proper values.

I also need to be empowered.

I am a victim too.

My friend got raped at 7, he said it amidst giggles at 15.

He is shattered.

Do better for us.

Society please listen! Listen!

The boy of today forges our collective tomorrow.