Allison Pesce
Volume 4
What should a man be?
The question is echoed throughout history.
Should he exude strength and power?
Conquer all the world- land, sky, and sea?
What should a man be?
Asked she,
“Should he toil for me?
Work day and night for our family’s peace and ease?
Have no need of sleep or food,
Be such a glorious sight that all threats to me
Turn on their heels and flee?”
The thought brings the woman blush and glee.
What should a man be?
Said he who was the pride of the Greacean fleet:
“Slaughter your foes and gather all you can take.
A man should make all continents quake,
Have no mercy on your enemies, their spirits you must break.
That's what a man should be.”
What should a man be?
The Roman emperor answered with stoic dignity:
“Show virtue, but you are your leader and let none other be
Conquer your enemies, for the greatest good is victory.
A republic? Indeed, not for me. A man takes control and leads.
That's what a man should be.”
What should a man be?
He does not answer
But who is this man that I see? He carves wood quietly
Does he not hear me?
Who is this carpenter who preaches peace?
What hero has ever said one must turn the other cheek?
Why does he let them whip his back?
Why does he let them as his skin bleeds?
Achilles would have hacked off their heads!
Caesar would have summoned armies!
Surely this is not what a man ought to be.
As the nails are drilled into his hands
And he inhales his final breath the brutal cross allows him to breath,
A faint smile crosses a dead man’s lips
As the whole world is now redeemed.
Souls destined for slavery are now freed
And a cosmos sighs with relief
For a true man carried salvation on his back
And showed all men how to truly lead.
Meek and humble, this man conquered lust and greed
For true men have not these.
Jesus Christ has freed men and showed them all
What a true man is destined to be.