The core of masculinity does not derive
from being male, nor friendliness
from those who console.
Your grandmother says “Maybe you shouldn’t
go to school. You look a little pale.”
You run when you hear that.
A father’s stern slaps are better.
Your bodily soul wants comfort.
The severe father wants spiritual clarity.
He scolds but eventually
leads you into the open.
Pray for a tough instructor
to hear and act and stay within you.
We have been busy accumulating solace.
Make us afraid of how we were.
Rumi
Who can say more?
–TDD