What Makes a Man? by Matthew Tochman

What makes a man?
Is it how he holds your hand,
Or how he says it’ll be all right,
Or the battles he will fight,
Just to win your love.

Is it the measure of his strength,

Or how he walks the plank,
No trace of fear in his stride,
Or how he’s mastered pride,
Just to prove himself.

Can it be the comfort of his gaze?

Or do you love to see it blaze?
Is it how he braves the labyrinth of life,
Or how he boldly faces strife?
Just to earn his name.

Is it what he ponders deep,

Or the secrets that he’ll keep?
What about the promises he makes,
Or is it how he never breaks?
Just to see you through.

Is it the courage he espouses

And the passion it arouses,
Or is it how he holds you close,
And says he loves you most,
Just to steal a kiss.

Do you covet the way he seems,

To conquer all his dreams,
Is it the oaths that he swears
To save you from your fears?
Just to win your heart.

Is it the safety of his arms,

Or the way he hides his charms,
From everyone but you,
Or is it how he bears you through,
Just to be your man.