REAL MEN SON, DO CRY

To see you now; To see you then,
a babe, a boy, a man-
I remember our talks, your questions
and dreams-
Mine, yours; Yes, even ours-
Now so long ago it seems.

I watched you follow your heart,
my pride filled eyes traced your every step-
My chest swelled with hope and glee-
as your dream of becoming a Marine was kept.

Until that day I guessed I'd forgotten,
how hard it really is to be a guy-
The chiming of my Father's voice-
when he said, "Real men Son, don't cry".

Never mind these tears today,
that don these aging cheeks-
For they fall not my Son from fear-
nor do they, because I'm weak.

They flood the gullies left by life,
the doubts in a parent's mind-
Split-moment decisions, pacing floors-
peeking through the blinds.

It is through joy each word I share,
how proud I am of thee-
Not that you'll fight, but defend,
your family, your home, your Country.