The Truth of Strength

Strength.
The defining feature
Of a real man.
But how many men
Actually show
True strength?
What does it really mean?
Is it the men
With biceps
As big as waists?
The men
Who run
Billion dollar corporations?
The men
Who can speak
And bend others to their will?

Many times
I look at these men
And see power,
But weakness.
I see broken men
Lost in their job,
The gym,
Their influence...
I see men
Who hide behind
Some façade
So others cannot see
How weak they really are.
I see men
Who have given up
On their family,
Left their wife,
Neglected their children.
I cannot claim
These men
Have true strength.

Then I look at other men.
Some might be poor,
Some might be rich,
But they have fought
For what they believe in.
They have not only worked
To provide for their family,
But have provided
A father,
A husband,
A strong foundation.
These men
Show true strength.
Despite the situation,
Despite the mistakes they have made,
Despite everything
That tries to bring them down...
And even more because of this...
They stand tall,
Realize their shortcomings,
Then cast them aside,
Step up to the battle,
And put forth their all.
This is true strength.