A man thoughts on being afraid

A Woman asks: What are you afraid of? Babe, what are you thinking of?
A Man Thoughts:
Afraid of life, no! just the stories that are untrue
Afraid to be a man,no! just fighting through society's view of one.
Afraid of woman, no! I'm afraid of girls who think they're women.
Afraid of race No! I'm afraid of race never ending.

Those are minor fears, here's my real thoughts: the things that I'm afraid of the most.
I'm afraid of my own thoughts because I'm afraid that they may be true.
I'm afraid of being me because society says I'm not allowed to be me.
I'm afraid of society telling me that a man can't show emotion or empathy, which means he's weak.
I'm afraid to be unique because what if I'm too unique to be compatible with anybody..

I'm afraid to be nice because people see it as a way to take advantage of me.
I'm afraid of my own expectations of me, I’m afraid I won't succeed.
I'm afraid of being a well rounded man,because having too many skills sends a so-called red flag.
I'm afraid of enjoying life because it makes people uncomfortable with me.
I'm afraid of showing you, I care about you completely, you might think it's too much of me.

I'm afraid of being a real man that is actually chivalrous,because women want equality
I'm afraid that I always miss my chance, because life taught me that.
I'm afraid that the world has already discarded great men like me. Society agrees.
I'm afraid of the thoughts that I have … might be right.. free me.

I close my eyes and breathe… confidence. Please save me. Oh wait even that
Can be misconstrued as being egotistical or arrogant too. Damn I guess I am afraid of that too…
A Man's answer: Nothing honey, nothing at all.
A Man thoughts: because if I gave you the real answer……you would see me as weak or not a man then ... .I would lose you and everything too.
That would be the end of me. For sure the real truth.

POEM BY DB
AKA Daniel Bolton