Friend

He's been there, through thick and thin
For longer than you can remember
Your secrets whispered in his ear
Without a shred of blame or judgment
But now they say that you're too old
To share your space with such a friend
And if you reject their toxic masculinity
They'll impugn your sexuality
Because 'real' men don't have feelings
They hold it all inside
Deal with problems not with empathy, not with love
But by fighting, keeping the enemy in their place
And now you're on the cusp
Crossing that gulf from boy to man
You have to fall in line
And throw away your teddy bear

Love & best wishes to all
Sammy B