In society, much is expected of men through their demeanor, professionalism, respect, and behavior. But at the same time, few men are open to discussing their feelings or respecting the wisdom of their elders. So how are men supposed to know the right way to act, to respect others, or to treat a partner? In this volume of poems, the author provides something he wishes had existed for him: man-to-man guidance and a safe space to discuss moments of vulnerability and doubt with someone who has been there and knows how to proceed. Each chapter of poetry focuses on a different aspect of life as a man—from being a husband, a father, or simply the man in a situation, relied on for leadership and stability from those who need it.

Every poem in this title is brief but designed to convey wisdom and the product of experience more than stir emotions with curated verse. It feels like a new type of “teaching poem” that has directives and direct calls to the reader to reflect on their actions and how they could be improved. This exchange isn’t interactive per se but encourages the reader to be an active participant and consider how the lessons apply to their own life. The message is the detail given the most emphasis and attention in this book. The language used by the author is very straightforward and accessible, meaning anyone can pick up this book and get right to the heart of it without having an existing appreciation for poetry or written verse. Heartfelt and honest, this book can be seen as entertainment or as a pocket-sized resource on how a man ought to handle specific or general trials.

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