Masculinity

              Masculinity

I pass a giant redwood tree each day

I go to London.  There across the street

The redwood raises its erect array

Of dark green bristles and its subtle and discreet

Tight bark.  Its greyness has the touch of tints

Of warmer colors but the total soul

Is chasteness.  That’s the aim.  There are no hints

At fussiness or loveliness.  The goal

Is magnitude and strength without restraint.

The needles are splayed out so that the trunk

Goes soaring up, without softness’s taint.

Goliath is a soaring, hulking hunk.

  The richness of its inner self is left

    Unseen.  This titan cares for height and heft.