On Parise of the men who
are trying to keep it together men,
The staying strong for others men,
The ones about to break men,
The ones whose needs come second, third or fourth,
The men who dont lash out or damage.
The men who listen and ask,
The men who say, sorry and Ill change men,
The men who create space for others men,
The men who cheer the women men,
The men who challenge the expectations men,
The men who protect their women men,
Those who continually self reflect and grow men,
Those who know their frailty men,
Who are aware of their strength – but dont use it men.
The step aside for women men
The calling out bullshit men
The challenge other men men
A shout out to the men who aren’t afraid to
go to therapy men
The men who
face their own reality
The men who do kind
The men who make the world a better place for others men
The men who show up
The men who value integrity
The men who dont blame others for what they did or didn’t do men
The men who dont stir up swirling drama
The silent types often, whose kindness knows no praise
The men who bring colour and spark and life to the world
The men whose word and work brings healing, truth and vibrancy
In praise of the men who stand up for justice – and get attacked for it men
The men who do vulnerable – for their own good, but cost too
So, on International Mens Day
Praise to the men who, give men a good name
Thank you.
For being you.
James Ballantyne 