The Strength of a Man

The strength of a man isn't
seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's seen in the width
of his arms that circle you.
The strength of a man isn't
in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words
he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't
how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy
he is with his or "your" children.
The strength of a man isn't
in how respected he is at work.
It's in how he
is respected at home.
The strength of a man isn't
in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender
he touches.
The strength of a man isn't
in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart . . .
that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't
in how many women he has loved.
It's in how true he can be
to the ONE woman he's trying to love.
The strength of a man isn't
in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens
he can carry.
The strength of a man isn't
in how much food he eats from your table.
It's inthe effort he puts forth
when you are unable.
The strength of a man isn't
in how he makes love.
It's in the understanding
that there is more to making love . . .
than making love.