What Makes a Man
by Dave Phillips
Once your war is over,
Once your rifle’s stowed away,
Once you’re home safe and alive,
To see another day.
You’ll stand tall beside your comrades,
And remember those you’ve lost,
You’ll burst with pride yet deep inside,
Your mind will count the cost.
And you’ll bottle those emotions,
You’ll lock away the pain,
You’ll think it wrong, you’re big and strong,
But let me make this plain.
That however strong you think you are,
However broad your shoulder,
First and foremost you’re a man,
And secondly a soldier.
And men are not afraid to weep,
Or make their feelings known,
And if you find it hard to sleep,
You are not alone.
So put your brave face to one side,
Your friends will understand,
It’s not bravado, strength nor pride,
But truth that makes a man.
