A Man of Strength

The strength of man is not in his arm
Or in the way he inflicts pain, doing others harm.
It is not in the size of his physique,
Or his many abilities, talents unique.


The strength of man is not in the speed he can run,
Or his skills in the forest, as he wields a gun.
It is not in his knack for conjuring invention.
Or mixing up chemicals to relieve sickness and tension.


The strength of man is not the expanse of his empire,
The towers and castles, rooted in sand, soaring higher.
It is not in the depths of his pockets,
Nor the clinging of change, or the length of locket.


The strength of a man is his ability to love,
To set his heart in the future, his mind above.
His strength is in the size of things broadly imaginated,
His feelings and ideas applied in life, acutely demonstrated.


The strength of a man is his ability to think, to learn;
To mold his living with wisdom, teaching others in turn.
His strength is in his care for the sick and needy,
To give to others; living richly, but ungreedy.


To be a man of strength is to only speak when you can stand in your word,
To act out integrity, willing to hear more than being heard.
To be strong is to always seek first for peace,
But to finish the fights that start, valiant when cordialities cease.


Being strong is knowing which conflicts to end,
But willing to stand, a friend to defend.
Be a lover, not a fighter, the saying goes;
But that which you love? Stand firm for those.