The Black-Eyed Baritone

My knowledge may be young, yet it dives deep.

A frightening reality looms, threatening to dim the brilliance of a once-vibrant horizon.

Oh, the frequency of her heart-wrenching cries,

The intense horror inflicted on such tender souls –

Verbally, physically, and sexually,

Birthing unfathomable hurt, pain, and, even worse, LOSS.

“Vengeance!” the crowd cries out, with ruthless indignation toward the perpetrators of this evil.

“To The Gallows!” they demand,

Seeking atonement in blood.

“Drag them along the sun-scorched highways,

Feed their carcasses to the birds of hate,

Ridding the earth of the sorrow they bring.

Mark this for the future; separate that one. Yes, YOU!

Reaffirm your plea, oh Monster!”

I stand as a quintessence of strength,

Wrapped in social status and a velvety baritone,

Never heaving a sigh or showing weakness,

For such is unacceptable for my kind.

Shrouded from birth by expectations and stereotypes –

“Tears are for the weak! Unguarded emotions are not for your kind!”

“Do not cower! Do not show weakness!” they often said.

So, I have cried and grieved in silence,

Never heard by another,

Because I am “Man!”

Before you pass judgment, allow me this question:

Why should laughter, love, and joy roam freely,

While pain, despair, and sorrow suffer in muffled silence?

Another, if you will:

How do I cleanse my heart and mind

Of the decay born from hideous times past?

And one last question, I promise no more:

When I am alone, grappling with the confusion in my thoughts,

Where? How? Do I find release?

From the pain, fear, insecurities, and anxieties

That steadily consume my soul,

Anchoring me deeper into the sea of unquantifiable calamity.

Oh, may you look closely, consider, and acknowledge

That I am just as battered –

Mentally… Emotionally… Verbally… Physically!!!

So my plea?

NOT SO GUILTY!