“The hallmark of a real man is controlling himself,
                 controlling his emotions, and acting appropriately
                 regardless of how he feels.”

                                                        –Andrew Tate

All I know is what I know
but what I don’t know
I’m wanting to learn
because if it matters to one,
it’ll matter to more.

Whether I’m momentarily silent
or currently speaking,
I’m always actively listening,
prioritizing never being wrong
over always having to be right.

Not that I’ll never be wrong
–a condition of one still learning–
but on the day that I am, I hope
you’ll be kind in correction
for our ideals are largely the same.

Some people never figure that out.       (^)
Worse, they infest their way into
positions of influence and power;
whatever wisdoms they might speak get lost
in the trash opinions they surround them with.

Then when somebody calls out their immaturity,
they seem completely unable
to course correct; their minds too weak,
untrained in the art of self-perception
and…well that really makes me sad.

For as a man, I wish
to be seen as gentle,
one who will stand for justice.
Straight and cisgender, I try
to show myself open and accepting.

And as a professed Christian, I strive
to share the love of Jesus Christ.
In my calling to be His hands and feet
I could be someone’s first encounter with God;
squandered if I should decide to hate.

So if I step one foot out of line
feel free to tap me on the shoulder
and guide me back to righteousness.
Help me refine myself
for the most important role I’ve yet to play

when it’s my time to be the role model,
maybe not for millions,
but for one young boy, to teach him
to recognize the truth in all things,
especially if that truth is you’re right, I’m wrong.