Be a Man

he said. Stop your moaning
men don’t cry --
especially over a cat
a flea-bitten pile of fur
with claws. Imagine.
I raised you to be tough
to stand up to any problem.

What do you say boy?
Say something. You’re seven
years old now -- speak up.
The boy wiped
away tears and answered –
I love you daddy.

© Richard L. Provencher