The core of masculinity does not derive
from being male, nor friendliness
from those who console.
Your old grandmother says,
“Maybe you shouldn’t go to school.
You look a little pale.”
Run when you hear that.
A father’s stern slaps are better.
Your bodily soul wants comforting.
The severe father wants spiritual clarity.
He scolds but eventually
leads you into the open.
Pray for a tough instructor
to hear and act and stay within you.
We have been busy accumulating solace.
Make us afraid of how we were.
~~~~~
“The Core of Masculinity”
Written by
Rumi
Translated by
Coleman Barks
