Headline Poem 6/6/14 -- Son, that's a lie

Today's poem is inspired by this story about a life lesson passed down from fathers to sons. 

Son, that's a lie

There are some from the

promised land who will tell a man

Not to dream while awake,

to be a snake 

who coils 

and breaks 

those who hesitate. 

They

lie to you. 

They say you're supposed to be dangerous, and that you should ignore your broken wings, and continue to fly. 

They say to close your eyes 

to make room

for anger and revenge 

and tough ass things. 

Son, that's a lie. 

Men cry. They must 

weep tears of truth which

Drip of wholeness and honesty

And integrity and continuity. 

Men do not deny their own eyes. 

And while their sons watch, they embrace

The salt that is released. 

Our tears feed the earth, mixing with the dirt. We need them. We must feed them. 

Son,

Forgiveness looks good on you;

it makes your skin softer. It makes your mind clearer. It makes your red lights turn blue. 

I adore this side of you. 

Don't be a fool who 

let's the rake hit you in the face 

with deception and masked masculinity like a slime's revenge. 

Green men who banish tears are not free. Women who condone those tears 

live in fear of 

Being weak. 

Son, 

Climb to the mountain top with eyes that shine and lungs that knot 

And cry -- 

There is NOTHING more beautiful 

than a heart sculpted

like a canyon by water and ice

Unafraid of the flight,

Surrounded by kindness and sensitive matter!

Even

Eagles will crave your presence. Hummingbirds will crave your light. 

And if you stand next to a man who ignores you in the night, and chooses to fight -- 

take the flight

To a place of solitude 

and fresh brewed mistakes and lay

On leaves and grass and think. 

Go where people welcome you. 

Go where you'll feel awake. 

And then, son, once you've had a taste... 

Share this lesson with delicate haste.