Can A Man Be Vulnerable? Poem by Deidre Dixon

I'm having trouble being vulnerable in this relationship with you.
When I try to be vulnerable, turning the conversation to yourself is what you do.

You come and pour your heart out to me, and I listen to what you have to say.
I ask you if there is anything I can do to make you have a better day.

When I come and pour my heart out, somehow you see that as weak!
You act annoyed like you don't want to be bothered and cut me off when I speak.

There are times when all I need is to lay my head on your lap.
I sometimes just need to vent a little and release my day full of crap!

I don't need you to say anything or to try and steer the conversation.
I need you to listen as I do to you and offer empathy on this occasion.

You ever wonder why when I have issues I don't come to you to talk?
Have you ever noticed that during our conversations I begin to walk?

I walk away while you are talking because what I say is met with a deaf ear.
I say one word then can't get a word in edgewise because you listen but you do not hear!

You don't hear my heart when I am speaking because all you think about is yourself.
So I leave in search of a place I can go and be heard; sometimes that's with someone else!

You've also taken my vulnerability and thrown things I've shared with you in my face!
The disrespect and immaturity you have shown is sad and a downright disgrace!

Emotionally, spiritually and sexually I try to make sure you are satisfied.
Spiritually and sexually we're on one accord, but emotionally I get denied.

You seem to think that a man's ultimate place is to take care of all your needs.
When I need support and encouragement from you, I get emotional fatigue!

The things that I deal with on a daily basis that frustrate me and rob me of my peace,
Are met with indifference, a dismissive response and a lack of care for what affects me!

I need my woman to understand that I have a need to be vulnerable too.
You have proven with your lack of humility that the woman I need is not you!