I am a man, conflicted Unsure of what is expected The discourse of trans, cis, and non-binary Reveals the importance of gender identity I used to think it should be ignored It matter not if your shoulders broad Big, small, or more petit It’s much better for society If we have no judgements genitalia-ly? Thus the conflict does arise Because for good or ill I have chosen manly boots to fill But as a man, I am conflicted I see boys, enlisted Conscripts of the materialistic Watches, cars, and women Life’s a game you need to be winning “This is backwards thinking” it’s insisted But if there’s a manual for men, I must have missed it Where are the role models to look up to? Name me one good one I ask of you I’m as bad as the rest, it’s true Fast cars, I’m a spy undercover Bikini models? Make me drool and stutter Ask for the time? My heart's aflutter Am I a boy, enlisted? I am mixed-race afflicted I hear them say, “I’m not racist, it’s statistics You people act like this, I’ve seen the data Maybe you’re different, but on paper You’re dangerous so see you later” Fearful because of how I look? Leaves me speechless, leaves me shook Whilst told that’s abhorrent I must also be tolerant Of the same logic When people are afraid of the manly me So how should I express my gender identity? I am a human, restricted Intersectionality? I’m the bestest Straight cis male, so societally accepted Biggest cheques, intellectually respected Head of the table, privilege expected  But inside my minds infested I’ve heard enough of men too It’s time for change, for voices new So how do I celebrate being me? How do I celebrate my gender identity Without the shame and feeling guilty That I’m upholding the patriarchy 24/01/[[2024]] #masculinity #patriarchy #identity