Role Modeling
(Apologies to Quraysh Ali Lansana)
i want my sons to know men who
tear up at sad movies
i want my sons to know men who
say “no” as well as “yes”
i want my sons to know men who
smile and stroke dogs
i want my sons to know men who
respect boundaries
i want my sons to know men who
admit, “I don’t know”
i want my sons to know men who
ask for forgiveness
i want my sons to know men who
think and feel
i want my sons to know men who
listen to old storytellers
i want my sons to know men who
recognize needs and offer help
i want my sons to know men who
show kindness to mothers
i want my sons to know men who
know God has the better plan
(Apologies to Quraysh Ali Lansana)
i want my sons to know men who
tear up at sad movies
i want my sons to know men who
say “no” as well as “yes”
i want my sons to know men who
smile and stroke dogs
i want my sons to know men who
respect boundaries
i want my sons to know men who
admit, “I don’t know”
i want my sons to know men who
ask for forgiveness
i want my sons to know men who
think and feel
i want my sons to know men who
listen to old storytellers
i want my sons to know men who
recognize needs and offer help
i want my sons to know men who
show kindness to mothers
i want my sons to know men who
know God has the better plan