In shadows cast by whispered fears,
Where strength is judged by silent tears,
A man must wear a hardened face,
To hide the pain in darkened space.

The world demands a stoic guise,
No room for weakness, no compromise,
Yet in the depths, the heart does ache,
For tender words it cannot take.

The chains of pride, they bind so tight,
A prison forged by endless fight,
To break these bonds and voice the pain,
Would be to lose, yet more to gain.

Oh, let the walls of silence fall,
And free the heart that yearns to call,
For in the truth, a strength anew,
Lies the man who dares be true.