for Adrian, J., Christopher, Matthew, Greg, Roger, Major & Randall
i want my sons to know
men who smile
i want my sons to know men
who own their imperfections
i want my sons to know
men who listen
i want my sons to know
men who hear hearts, see words
i want my sons to know men
who honor women
i want my sons to know
men who appreciate the arts
i want my sons to know
men who adore their mamas
i want my sons to know men
who aren’t afraid of tears
i want my sons to know
men who respect their fathers
i want my sons to know men
who use fists in self-defense only
i want my sons to know
men who value and dignify men
men who work hard, can’t
spell quit, understand no
i want my sons to know
men who apologize
i want my sons to know men
who have relations with The Divine
men who question everything
men who know humility
i want my sons to know
men who read books
i want my sons to know men
who laugh at themselves
i want my sons to know
men who see possibility
Originally published in reluctant minivan (Living Arts Press, 2014). Used with permission of the author.