Boys cry silently

 Celebrating Men's mental health month 

I present to us "Boys cry silently" it's a poem that sheds light on a truth that often goes unspoken - that many men and boys carry emotional pains quietly just to appear as the society wants, that's to appear strong or unbothered. This poem reflect the inner battles many face that are never express. It encourages healing.

It's a reminder that vulnerability isn't weakness and not limited to a particular gender."

BOYS CRY SILENTLY

From afar,  
I watched  
As he was scolded—  
"Why cry?  
Men don't cry."
Was it a lie?  

The men around never shed tears.  
Crying was weakness,  
A shame to be feared.
You learn from watching.  
So they hide the pain,  
The weight of regret,  
The sting of mistakes—  
They won’t let you see that.

He was trained not to cry.  
So as a boy, when hit,  
He struck back with fists.  
Now grown,  
He must stay strong—  
For himself,  
For those coming after.
His voice must echo.  
His tears must hide.  
He smiles through pain,  
Laughs while troubled.

One day, I saw him sitting—  
Still, lost.  
I wanted to shake him:  
"Why so quiet?"
But in his silence,  
I found myself, too.  
So I placed a hand on his shoulder  
And stared into space.  
Because sometimes,  
Silence is what we need.

© Ebube