By Claire Burianek
I knew a boy once
He thought he was a man.
A big strong man
Who could command the heavens
And tell me who I am.
I knew a boy once.
He was not a man.
True men know their limitations.
They do not push others down to raise themselves.
And they always respect women.
I knew a boy once.
He told me I was not valid
That my experiences did not matter
And that my emotions were a weakness.
I believed him for a time.
I knew a boy once.
He genuinely thought
He was acting from
A place of love
While he was tearing people’s lives apart.
I knew a boy once.
I never truly knew him,
Though he let me think I did.
He let me think he could improve
When he never had such an ability.
I knew a boy once.
I do not know him anymore,
An incredible blessing.
I finally let him go
And it is the best choice I ever made.
I know a man now.
He recognizes his mortality.
He encourages the people in his life.
He respects all women, not just me.
And that is how I know he is a man.