Expectations Poem by David Self

We are meant to be strong being men,
Some more than others to complete their zen.
We smile and fight,
Though life is so tight.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.

I fight everyday, to have my say.
To be the man I want to become.
I must smile when I'm down and try to not frown,
Strength is a point I cannot break.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.

I was paid to protect, but to protect for free,
That's the job that brings glee.
To those who you care, and always share.
But what if you are failing, and always fading.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.

I've had to be brave facing my fear,
But only admit to myself the tear.
In my heart and my eye, the demons are not shy.
They come freely I cannot fight.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.

What if I'm done with the fight, that's the biggest fright.
Use so much strength to look after others, I'm blindsided by the shudders I feel inside.
I can't fight what I cannot see, and that's all on me.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.

I know I'm not the man I once was, but who really gives a toss.
I'm unfit and mentally lazy, it's starting to drive me crazy.
Nobody has the same values, and that's what I deal with in the now.
It's the expectation that gets to us all.