I’ve always had boyish looks
And in a society that emphasizes “macho”
I thought I had to be
Physically rough and tough.
So, I joined “A few Good Men,”
The United States Marines.
I was proud,
Finally a man!
It took a lot of “growing up” to discover
A real man is not macho at all,
But loving and tenderhearted.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 36 of 36
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....wow this is great Sir!I really agree with that, a person or a guy with heart and soul despite of everything is indeed the true man....
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Oh I love a man in uniform. Bet you still get all the girl with that boyish charm. Lesson well learned. Loved this read.
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Seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was in the Marines.
That photo you are using with your name turns me on, but then I'm butt lover.
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You learned a most valuable lesson.
Being a real man is about being loving
and caring. I love how you told this
realization. great job. -
so true... and beautifully written. gorgeous picture too. fook the 'macho'... id sooner a gorgeous guy anyday lol
hugs,
georgie,
xxx -
"A real man is not macho at all , but loving and tenderhearted" I wish men would realize this.
Very cute & a true message. Just a few short sentences says an awful lot. -
My friend I think you have said volumes in these few short sentances. Not many think of growing up in this way. They feel it has to do with age not maturity. I am glad you learned to tell the difference.
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Thank you. I'm still learning but I make effort everyday.
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Life is often a matter of perspective... There is something noble about choosing to be tender if your strong and self assured first... Not much glory in it if you've never been more than a marshmallow though... I suppose its a matter of how one gets to where one is. Sometimes I think its the journey that determines the appropriate destination for each of us.
Rainbows,
~RJ~ -
It's true!
Growing up is a BIG responsibility, and being macho doesn't make growing up easier; but love and nice things make things much easier in life.
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I'm glad you found your way and I hope your lady appreciates you, the poem said much about the confusion that being raised to conform can cause, I liked it greatly.
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i love your poems.
all of them that ive read i have really liked
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Wonderfully stated. Yes it is a real man that can actually show his love and is tenderhearted. It doesn't take a man to be "rough and tough." Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you.
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God Bless the Marines! You certainly were a part of a few good men! THANKS for sharing your experiences!!!
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Semperfi
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excellent write...the last line says it all...leaf
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How true this is!!!
It took me years to figure this one out, Jeff.
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Good write...don't know why I didn't see it before...
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Yes, it does take a lot of growing up to realize that macho is not a real man. Macho is more the persona of what the man wishes to be. Women are the same in many ways. Well written and a nice message that all the young men, boys, should read. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
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what a great theme behind this poem. this poem echoes, "hero" to me and pride of being a protector. i found this poem very patriotic
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Very true.
this has a great message.
i like the interjections of exclamations "Finally a man!"
The sounds of the words were chose well the sound of "rough and tough" already express a harsh gruff exterior...
One thing:
Punctuation- i wouldnt put a full-stop after "A few Good Men." because "The United States Marines" does not stand well as it's own sentence..
Just a small thing
i like this poem
Con
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Thank you Con. I agree with your punctuation suggestion and correctd it.
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so much in truths to behold!!!
man, for me this is a breath of fresh air!!! i live near march airforce base, rightnow in hosp though, and i know what you are talking about i have run in to a few good man who do act the rough and tough part, but will someday come upon a day that you have already realized. funny how time grows us into something we never thought would be. and for the better!!!
!!!!
take care,
brian
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Thank you for your comments. Yes, time can make a difference if one is willing to mature.
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So true...
If only there were more men that realized this. I love the message in this poem and the way you hold back just enough and say just enough to make your point.
Short but powerful!
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I'd be interested in your opinion on this one: http://allpoetry.com/poem/2483511
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Powerful piece about war and the role of man. I found this was quite a strong political piece
Pozo
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Very well done. Did my time in the Canadian military and now spend my most pleasurable time with dear wife and amazing four year old daughter.
John -
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John I am very glad that you enjoyed this poem. Since you were in the military you understand what I'm saying more than anybody.
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This is great
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It took a lot of “growing up” to discover
A real man is not macho at all,
But loving and tenderhearted.
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Amen to that, my friend... I only wish that girls my age would understand that
A great scribe, good sir, bearing all of your trademarks: thought provoking, wonderfully written, as well as short, sweet and to the point.
All the best this evening, my friend.
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Thank you my friend. It took me a very long time to realize this.
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Wonderful Poem
Hello Jeff, This was such a delight to read. Thank you for sharing a bit of your youth. You are so right a real man is loving and tenderhearted. Bless you my friend. Take care. I hope you are doing well!! Sandy 
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oOOHRAH DEVIL DOG...
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Wow, short but deep. I was thinking of going into the army but I want to be a doctor.Well I still got time think about it, I'm only in the tenth grade. I like poem, it really stands out.
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