' I hope'
This poem was shared by a young person who has been using poetry to help him to understand his feelings and emotions, and this poem in particular is about masculinity. Incredibly powerful and an amazing example of what young people, given the time, space and opportunity can do!
In light of the work that Teen Health are doing around boys and young men, this felt even more important to share (this is being shared with Adam's permission)
I hope
I asked my friend the other day
‘When was last time you cried’
He looked back at me with an awkward gaze in his eyes,
Proclaimed to me when England lost in the World Cup last time,
He could be telling the truth,
But I cannot deny
With the sadness hidden deep in his eyes
He thought better to lie
And carry on pretending
To avoid the truth that his heart needed mending,
From his inner battles he won’t talk about,
Rather stay quiet then scream or shout
He’s found acceptance in silence
Stupidity in speaking up
And quickly he sinks
At the speed of his drinks
And his mascarde starts to crumble
As his words start to fumble
He says
To answer you mate the last time i cried
The last time I cried was when my grandfather died,
And it clear to see now the darkness he hides,
The damage silence has done to him
His peace reduced to paper thin
But the silence will stay when the alcohol leaves,
And I pray and I pray
To God and I plead
That he’ll come see me in his greatest time of need,
Disband from his creed
And talk to me
About his struggles and successes
And I hope for him what I hope for you
That courage will come
And peace will prevail
That’s the issue now
It’s clear to see
The warped and failed idea of masculinity,
Adam
Age 16
