Poem: Grow Your Beard

When I was young
I wanted a beard.
Thought it looked cool
Nothing more.
When I was a young man
Hair started sprouting
The time to shave had come.
My body betrayed me
My hand too weak
My coordination too poor
My hair growth too fast.
Always spots I would miss
Hated how I looked
Hated that my failure
Was all too obvious
Literally showing on my face.
Many a-time
I told my parents
A beard might solve all.
Time and again
They dissuaded me
Said it was too much work
Said it might look ugly
Hurt my chances
Of earning money and love.
Finally
After years of struggle
I took ownership of my body.
Stopped shaving
Gave my beard
Time and space to grow.
Now I sport
A nice and full beard.
I love it so!
It was my choice
It felt right and good.
It has helped me
Love my body even more
As it feels more authentically mine.
So listen to yourself
Grow your beard.
Make the choices
That are right for your body.
And discover
A confidence you can’t yet imagine.