He had graduated. His smile was bashful but you could see the pride. He had three mentors in his life, a father, an uncle and a pastor. The first two came by way of birth the other by way of the church. Each man had experiences to share. Each man gave him a hand. Each man jokingly told him the same thing. "You think you know it all, you think you understand. Ain’t nothing to the glamour's of life, when you grow up Be The Man." (An expression of quality in character and service)."

Said the Dad
Son I am proud of you
Know that I am with you
Whatever you do
I am for you
Once I was similar
But I got caught up in this game
I could not see my way out, Son
I have played my hand
It got me banned, but you
You Be The man


Said the Uncle
I remember when you were knee high
Always by my side
Following me everywhere
Places I wanted to go I did not dare
with you
Then he stretched out his arms
and gave his nephew some love
and said
You da man

You Da Man

YOU DA MAN


Said the Pastor
My commitment to you
Is to lead by example
But first I too had to be redeemed
I will tell you this one thing
Know who you are and follow your call
Your accomplishments without purpose
Will be no help to you at all.


Contemplation
This life that I lead is no easy operation
I will need to take some advice
I will need dedication
I will need courage when I fear
I will need to be able to shed a tear
As I understand
I will need to reliquish power
And once again become a follower
To one who is able to do greater things
For Now, I Am The Man

© Alfreda Darden, 2005 (all rights reserved)