be a man they say
with everything implicit
the esteem of other men
is the thing that we solicit
it's our performance
and the acts we display
this ain't anything other
than gendered roleplay
it is men
we're the deciders
on who's raised up
we're the dividers
you wear the mask
you play the part
craft a facade
silence your heart
and as you perform the role you're given
mimicking men and myth and might
the mistakes you make are unforgiven
your social crimes mark you as slight
it's our gaze that decides
as you're measured and assessed
it's our game that provides
the unending test
the acceptance we strive for
is a fickle thing
we're always at risk
of being made second string
it cannot be held
there's no way to be done
the mask that you make
will become someone