Man, Enough

(Malignant code
Stunted growth
A chromosome
Is not an oath)

Tell me all the ways
That I am not a man
Tell me all the ways
So you can help me understand
The value in denying me
My full humanity
Because if that's what makes a man
That's not what I want to be

I'm not giving in to any law
Created by a fraternal cult
I'm not listening to anyone
Who measures others by "man enough"

Malignant code
Breeding sleeper cells
Stunted growth
Taught only violence to express themselves
Is this what you wanted?
Bitter resentment
For what I see in you
I see inside me too

I'm not giving in to any law
Created by a fraternal cult
I'm not listening to anyone
Who measures others by "man enough"

I am the ire
Behind every virile fight
I am the shame
That keeps you up at night
I am the pride
Behind every bloody war
I am the reckoning
That's knocking
Knocking at your door
I am the loneliness
Behind every stoic face
I am the trap you set
That's keeping you in place
I am the child who's been
Neglected from the start
I am the privilege that you embrace
In exchange for your own heart

I am my brother's keeper
You are your father's son
We are forever wounded
Our suppression
Serving no one

Unlearn
Unleash me from the limits
Of the king's right hand
I'll write my own damn definition

Reject
That which serves you not
And reverse the harm
That we all have caused
Can't rebuild
Until you know
What you've lost