Man Up | Lydie Ahishakiye

They told them to man up
So they cried in the dark
Where no one could see them break
Carrying all burden on their back
Not allowed to ask for backup
On duty of men up

Man up, they said
So I did
By holding my son’s hand
Telling him it’s okay to feel
Emotion is one of life’s missions
If you stand, you can fall
If you smile, you can cry
Take time to breathe
Even birds with wings
But be the man you were made to be

What does it mean to be up?
Is it fists or forgiveness?
Silence or speaking out?
Be the father they need
Be the husband with her
Be the brother without border
Be you with you
Men up with us, we need you
Walk or fly be a man in your ways

Lydie Ahishakiye is a Rwandan writer who believes that words humble the world and music lifts it up.