Because He Is A Man Poem by Olatunji Ayimora

A lizard that fell from the roof top
Looked up to the height from where he fell
Looked sideways to see who is looking
Raised his head up in approval
If nobody praises me in the light of my feat
I will definitely praise myself
Because he is a man

He stretched his body across a gap
Made the child of his groin to walk over
Remained stretched until all have passed
Picked his worn body up from the ground
No regret whatsoever that which has been done
Because he is a man

In perils of the storm
Leads the way for his own
The first line of defense all the way
His life not much of a value to him
Until all are in safe haven from the storm
This he did with no reservation
Because he is a man

He toils day and night
To fulfill his calling as the head
He has no luxury of comfort
Until his own are settled
Going days without food is not an issue
A moment without respite for his own
Pierce his heart like a hot sword
Because he is a man

Comforted by the love of his wife
Encouraged by the love of the fruits of his groin
He is broken when his own turns blind eyes
To the wit and grit of his endeavor
Yet, look not behind in his determination
Until mission is accomplished
Because he is a man

His own is his achievement
They look to him for direction
His approval is colossal
He sees in himself each of them
He is a mirror to his own
And when he is no more
A home mirror is no more

Late he came in every night
Not a stranger to struggle
Smiles at the extent of his house
Fulfilled by the extent of their comfort
Yet, when the roles are called for reward
He was not on hand to answer
Because he died before his time
Because he is a man