The Essence of Manhood
“There are still good men in this world. May we know them, and may we raise them. May Allah bless the men who make their womenfolk feel safe, who silently support them and their dreams and who are soft and gentle. This is the essence of manhood.”
After reading that from a tweep early this year, I told myself I’d write something about men.
I intended to do so later, but on my CL, I spotted a post about an approaching boy child day. So here was the perfect opportunity.
Here you go. Snippets from my many wonderful experiences with men.
After hours of work, he swings his girls from his knees.
…
“You’ve wasted my time. I’ll drop you at the junction.” her father says.
Gets to the junction and drives in. She thinks he might’ve forgotten and starts to talk. He looks ahead. She smiles to herself.
…
She inquires, “Does this shoe go with the gown?”
He asks his sister, smirking, “Where are you going?”
They both giggle as she asks, “Are you okay?”
He says, “Why don’t you try X?”
…
Two males, two females. Friends. The ladies walk to the swings, out of sight. A car arrives a few minutes later, and a strange man joins them. He strikes up a conversation and gets a little too close for comfort.
The men begin to approach them. They take a seat without saying anything.
The stranger is warned. He moves away gradually and begins a conversation with the males.
…
She abruptly moves. She is nearly brushed by a car.
“I’m very sorry, I got caught up in my thoughts and should have taken that position.” He says
After that, he swaps places with her. He recently lost someone close to him. He feels obliged to do so, despite his pain.
…
The girl dreads writing. It was convenient to leave the words in her head. He encourages her and she does.
…
“Do you have a place?” he asks.
“No,” she replies.
“Still checking too. I’ll send you some photos”
…
“What is this?” she thinks.
Her breathing is becoming shallower, and she’s on the verge of a nervous collapse. She’d been walking for far too long. The final straw was having to converse with someone she rarely speaks with. She manages to say, “Sorry, I’m nervous.”
“Take your time,” he says.
…
She is unwell. A call comes in. He informs her of some corrections to make. Minutes later, she gets a call from the same person.
“What’s up? You sound like you’re down?”
“Not feeling too good.”
“Get well. The task will wait.”
I can only imagine the horrifying experiences some women have had at the hands of some men. I’ve had my fair share too.
But I’m glad and appreciative that, in the thick of it all, I’m reminded that there are still wonderful men out there.
To those who are raising a boy or boys, I wish you all the best in parenting them. I hope they turn out better than you anticipated.
Also, if you’re a good man, I hope you maintain your grace. In a society where you are frequently mocked for the faults of others, I hope you have the courage to stand tall and do the right thing.
