What is it that some men fear?

Women fear, but
often share 
their fears
and in the sharing 
Often ease 
pains and terrors 
with community 
that girds them, 
and  sometimes even
proves fears false.

Some men 
keep their fear
bound up tight 
Inside 
where it festers 
'round their hearts.

Some men
call their fears
by other names
and so despoil
honest names
of their value.

Some men 
inflict
their power
to show
they have no fear,
while it hides
from them.

What is it 
that some men 
fear so much
they can't admit
and expose 
to light
for strength, or
fear's dissolution?

Sunday, April 24, 2022